A whole generation of kids are growing up with access to the Internet. They will never know life without it. With the fact in mind, it is vital to cultivate a set of rules and behaviors that can keep them safe. The “real” world is a dangerous place, full of criminals and harmful experiences. The internet is just an extension of this environment, only this time closed doors and walls will not keep them at bay.
By following some simple pointers, the chances for harm can be reduced.
Stay Productive
The vast wealth of information available online is a great resource for everyone. As more educational systems adopt a virtual approach to the classroom, kids will have to use the internet more and more to complete homework assignments, projects, and reports. If the kids are focused on their academic responsibilities the chances of them wasting time surfing aimlessly around the net are reduced. This can limit the chances of them coming across harmful content or exposing personal information in an insecure environment.
Internet is not a right
The idea must be driven home that even though there is a computer in the house that is connected to the internet, it may not always be available. The internet is a valuable resource an should be treated with an appropriate level of respect. If a kid is trustworthy and dependable, then he or she can have access to the net, otherwise the internet should be off limits. This is an important rule to follow when keeping kids safe online. By making the internet an privilege, the kid will begin to develop the concept that in order to get the reward of participating in activities based on the internet he or she must appreciate the fact that when the rules are broken there will be consequences.
The Grandparent Rule
This is a very effective tactic. The key to its success is based on empathy. Place the child in this hypothetical situation,”If grandma or grandpa was looking over your shoulder, would she be OK with it?”. When the child starts imagining the grandparents’ reaction the little voice in his or her head my speak up.
Internet is a tool not a toy
Games and entertainment are nice, but to much of a good thing can have negative impacts on a child’s well-being. More and more, large gaming companies want kids and adults to be plugged in more often and more frequently. The games are designed to be addictive; they specifically designed to make it hard to stop playing. Gaming online can be fun, but it must be in moderation. Gaming addiction is just that, an addiction.
Ask them “Do you want that in real life?”
Stalkers and sex offenders, just like anybody else can log on. The increasing popularity of social networking can increase the risk of a child communicated or exposing personal information that these people can exploit. It is important to get the child thinking about these things. The typical child has an aversion to strangers and wouldn’t go down a dark alley to strike up a conversation. What makes a chat room any different. If the things that are done online where somehow real and in front of the child, would the kid feel threatened or uncomfortable? This can eliminate the disconnect that can develop between the “real” world and the “virtual” one.
Keeping kids is a number one priority, especially while online. The virtual world is no different from the real world. Children must learn to approach both with a sense of respect and caution.
Tags: academic responsibilities, chil, dangerous place, educational systems, harmful content, homework assignments, hypothetical situation, insecure environment, time surfing, virtual approach