Kids are spending more and more time online and using various technologies. While advances in technology are overwhelmingly positive, it is still important for parents to recognize that their role now includes parenting “in the digital world.” Currently 73 percent of U.S. teens have cell phones, and 51 percent of 12 year olds have cell phones. Teens spend an average of 27 hours online per week. (Cox Communications 2009 Teens Online and Wireless survey) The best way to help kids make responsible choices online is to begin with age appropriate guidelines that are adapted as your c hild matures and demonstrates healthy choices while socializing online.
When your child begins to use the Internet, teach her to only go to the sites you have visited and bookmarked as child friendly. If she wants to add a site to the list, she should ask your permission. Make use of the free parental controls software available through your Internet Service Provider, or download a free program like K9 parental controls. (If you don’t understand how to set it up, call their help line.) This software allows you to block inappropriate content, set time limits (that should also be discussed with your child) and monitor the sites that have been visited. Explain to your child that you are using such software to avoid going to “yucky sites” that may make your computer sick by putting viruses on it.
As your child gets older, monitoring the sites he visits is more useful than using blocking software. Kids often learn how to “work around” blocking software as they get older, and blocking sites can restrict access to important information that a child may need. Monitoring involves reviewing the history of sites visited or using software that sends you a weekly report. These reviews allow you to discuss any problem areas and if appropriate give logical consequences for violations of the ground rules. So the key is to keep the lines of communication open and discuss making healthy choices whi le using technology. Discuss treating others kindly, staying away from “yucky stuff”, polite use of cell phones, Internet addiction, privacy issues, and the fact that once something is posted online it is out there forever. Help your child to understand that not everyone represents himself honestly online, and thus it is safer to chat with “real world” friends online. Make sure that your child knows she can come to you if she ever receives an upsetting message – and she won’t get in trouble. Finally -remember that the best filter is the one that develops internally, but your child needs your help to develop it!"
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