Internet Safety Rules and Tips - Helping Parents Keep Kids Safe

Keeping Up with the Latest Technology

As a parent I am sure you are aware of the constant pace in which technology is increasing. The days of  communicating by home based phone lines are being replaced with powerful personal computers, notebooks and iPads set up with fast broadband Internet connections. Sleek and compact cellphones are enabled with the ability to send text messages, take photos, record videos and forward them to almost anyone.

Newer and more advanced electronic devices for communication are being developed continuously. I have read articles stating that in the near future, Internet and communication devices will be so compact they will be able to be sewn into clothing and survive the wash cycle!

This can make the task of protecting your child online even more difficult to monitor and keep up with, especially if you are a working parent like most of us are. I will share with you an Internet safety tip to hopefully make your efforts a little easier and hopefully cut back on the possibility for mischief when your kids are at home and on the Internet.

Internet Safety for Kids – Location of the Family Computer

A good way to encourage safer surfing for your young ones and cut down on the chances for mischief is to provide one central computer as a family computer and place it in an open location such as a family room or living room. If you have not installed safety software yet this would be a more proactive statement to children than setting up a computer in their bedroom. They will be less likely to do something they should not in an open family room environment.

Periodically ask your child about their online experiences in a loving and concerned way. What have you been learning? What sites do you like best? Do you feel safe online? Gentle probing questions can sometimes reveal important information you should know to help improve online activities you child is involved with. By watching their reactions to your questions you can usually gauge whether or not something might be making them uncomfortable.

Teach your child to trust those gut feelings and let them know they can come to you with any concerns. It is best to address any concerns your child might have as quickly as possible and always keep open lines of communication with your child. This will help instill trust between you and your child and also show them that you care about them and their safety.

The Internet can be a great learning tool for young ones and help them to develop important social, communication, cultural and educational skills. Providing Internet safety for kids can greatly enhance their online experiences.