TNI Bureau: Internet can be a wonderful resource for kids. They can use it to research school reports, communicate with teachers and other kids, and play interactive games.
Kids who are old enough to punch in a few letters on the keyboard can literally access the world. Real kids need real friends. Internet plays an important role in our kid’s lives today, but it should never become a substitute for live friendships. Be wary if your children are developing Internet relationships without balancing that with real live friendships.
Internet can be a dangerous place for the unwary, particularly children. Unwelcome contact includes harassment, cyber bullying, stalking or grooming (making friends with the purpose of having sexual contact at a later stage). Keep an active eye on your child’s Internet use and teach them to protect themselves online.
Here are the few tips, how to keep an eye on children’s Internet Usage
1. Keep an eye on children while they’re online. If feasible, keep the family computers in open areas. It is one way you can keep an eye on your child’s browsing activities. You will be able to take an occasional glance to make sure they are safe, without them feeling like you are watching their every move.
2. Use Parental Control Software to monitor children’s computer activity. It will compliment the guidelines you set but it is not a substitute. The software can record browser web addresses, e-mails, and chat software, and can also filter and block certain web sites and even record what has been typed on the keyboard. They are:
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www.softwareexpress.com, which is the internet baby sitter, www.cyberpatrol.com, www.riasc.net/plg.aspx, which is a parental lock guard, www.netnanny.com , www.naomifilter.org , and www.surfsafe.co.uk .
3. Clearly explain what apposite behavior is and persist that those rules are applied on the Internet at home and at school.
4. Letting your kids know your concerns and educating them about the dangers of the Internet will help them understand you are not trying to stop them enjoying the Web, just making sure that they have a safe experience.
5. Teach your child never to give out personal information such as his or her name or address, school name or address, or anything else that is personally identifying.
6. Spend time online with your child, whether at home, at the library, or at a computer center in your community.
The involvement of parents in their child’s life, including his or her online life, is the best insurance parents can have of their child’s safety. Parents should start educating their children early on Internet safety and well-being. a combination of caution, education, rules, penalties, parental controls and safety applications with all help to protect your children from the distress of internet usage.