How to Keep Kids Safe on the Internet

Keep Kids Safe on the Internet

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Children don’t understand how vast and scary the internet can actually be. For instance, I just read a news story about the scariest cities in American with the most crime and then a thought hit me: Geez, these people have internet access too! So, while I feel that giving children access to the internet is beneficial, keeping them safe is imperative. Read on for some tips on how.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

computer
internet access
email

Step1

Younger children ages 4 to 6 should have a specific destination in mind and parental supervision 100% of the time that they are on the net. Children’s television channels, like the Disney Channel, will have cute things on and give out a url to something fun to do on their website. These things are educational and very fun for the child. But a parent should be available to help the child read through and click on the games the child wants to play, etc. This will insure the child doesn’t click off the site or get wrapped up in a virus that was previously on the computer. Not to mention, this is wonderful bonding time.

Step2

Children ages 7 to 9 should also have a specific destination, but the parent does not need to sit down with the child the entire time as he/she can read and knows what advertising is and what it looks like. Parents should be checking on the child every ten to fifteen minutes and be aware of what site the child is on.

Step3

Children ages 10 to 13 pose many different problems for parents. Keep the family computer out in the open, see my other article on where to put the family computer, the link is at the top right. Do not allow any downloading unless you are sitting with him/her. Also, I do not recommend social websites for this age group. I do allow email and IM chats to people we know in real life only – classmates, for instance. You should have the passwords to these.

Step4

Children ages 14 to 18 are more independent and should be given responsibilities because they want freedom. If they want to blog and such that is fine. But, they need to know that the entire world is watching, including you. Check up on your teen while they are online. Email him/her for a new type of bonding. Again, you should have the passwords to these.