Cyber Parenting 101
Many parental units are not "techies" and openly admit they
are not. They seem to use that as an excuse to not be
informed and "trust" their children to do what is right in
an environment that is clearly risky. When it comes to
underage children being online, there should be a set of
household rules that are in place and followed or no online
connections are allowed. Parenting: n: The rearing of a child or children, especially the care,
love, and guidance given by a parent. One who begets, gives
birth to, or nurtures and raises a child. Nothing there about "except when they are online." ;-) Here
are my suggestions for technochallenged parental units: 1. Keep your computer in an open place such as the family
room or rec room. No negotiation here! Online activities are
only allowed in this public area - when you are home. Allow
a computer connected to the Internet behind a teenager's
closed bedroom door and you are asking for trouble! 2. Keep your computer and online connection password
protected. Use passwords that cannot be guessed by ingenious
teenagers. This way, if you are preoccupied or not home,
online access is not possible. Change your password on a
regular basis when they are not around. Better safe than
sorry. 3. Advise your children that they are not to give out their
full name, address, city, state, phone to ANYONE. Those who
they know in their off-line world get this info through
traditional means. No reason whatsoever to give out this
type of personally identifiable information online to anyone
without your knowledge and supervision. 4. Learn as much as you can about the Internet, how it
really works including how to use your computer and browser
so that you are aware of the potential problems your kids
can run into. (After they are online, use the drop down bar
in your browser's location bar to get a hint of what they
have been up to.) 5. Be sure to install any one of the many filtering software
packages that help prevent your children from being exposed
to topics that would make you cringe. Such as: CyberSitter: www.CyberSitter.com
NetNanny: www.netnanny.com
CyberPatrol: www.cyberpatrol.com Software is only a tool - not a replacement for your
involvement. Here are several of the many publications I
have reviewed and offer on one of my other sites
(http://www.TechnoChallenged.com) to get you up to speed: Dummies Series "Internet for Dummies"
CliffsNotes Fast Guides: "Getting on the Internet"
Computer Basics/2 Panel Laminated Tutorial Use promo code "eArticle" and get 10% off your order at
checkout! ;-) You hear stories in the news all the time about police
stings, pedophiles making contact with children or wacky
teenagers running away to hook up with their newly
discovered online love. We all know that as teenagers we
didn't know squat in regard to communicating with strangers
or what "love" is. Heck, I thought I was in love with Bobby
Sherman! Just dated myself didn't I? Your child's life experience simply is not in place yet to make
mature decisions. That's part of life and your children need
you to be their guide as they use technology. Watching over
your children's online sessions is not an invasion of
privacy. In my not so humble opinion, off-spring do not have
privacy until they are 18 and move out! (Or is that around 30
now-a-days?) ;-) Online monitoring is a sign of a caring parent who is
involved in the activities and information their children
will be exposed to online. Yes, it may be frustrating and
require parents to learn some new things along the way. A
computer with an online connection is not a babysitter or
because we didn't have computers as children an excuse to
not be involved. Learn, get involved and be part of your children's online
experiences. Look at it as another activity you can share
together! About the Author:
Judith Kallos is an authoritative and good-humored Technology Muse
who has played @ http://www.TheIStudio.com for over a decade. Check out her popular Technology Cheat Sheets @: http://www.LearnAndThrive.com
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