Should I be worried about my children and teens using the Internet?

1 Answer

Answer :

You shouldn’t be worried, but you should be cautious. Here are some tips:
4 Discuss the various risks of Internet use.
4 Set clear rules about what your kids can do and which websites they can visit.
Consider writing out the rules and posting them near the computer. (SafeKids.com offers a 10-point list of online safety rules for kids that you can print out. Go to www.safekids.com/kids-rules-for-online-safety.)
4 Manage and monitor their online activities—there are tools to help you with this.
4 Read your child’s favorite blogs (short for weblog), and become a “friend” on your child’s social networking sites.
4 Discuss what information is appropriate to share and what should be kept private.
4 Establish that it is never okay to go alone to see someone they “meet” on the Internet.
4 Let them know it’s not okay to share their passwords for social networking and other sites with friends. Accounts can be compromised and personal information stolen.
4 Keep the lines of communication open. Encourage children to share their questions and online experiences with you. Make sure they understand that you will not punish them or take away Internet access if they let you know about any threatening or inappropriate communication, including bullying.
4 Explain why it’s wrong to bully others.

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