The fact
that you are able to access this page means that you probably have a child
living in your home. Agreeably, we are living in the age of technology and
in this age most often children are the teachers of technology in the home.
Although many parents are not internet savvy there is the need to be abreast
of what your children are doing on the internet. There is no excuse to allow
ignorance to be turned into inattentiveness.
As a
result, we have taken some tips from the New York State Division of Criminal
Justice Services website for parents concerning internet safety for their
children.
-
Teach your child the four Rs of
internet use. They are:
Recognize
that online predators use techniques to trick their victims.
Refuse
all request for personal
information. Tell them do not even bother to lie to create personal
information just log off.
Respond
assertively if your
conversation places you in an uncomfortable position. Tell them to remember
their conversations should be as though you are standing over their
shoulders. Therefore then they should just log off.
Report
to you any distasteful
conversation or contact and you the parent will report it to the police.
-
Always set ground rules for using the
computer but set reasonable expectations
-
Ask children to demonstrate how to use the
computer
-
Ask children to teach you how to get on
and off the internet on your own (make notes)
-
Make time and discuss your concerns about
their safety
-
Be certain to know all your child’s
passwords and screen names
-
Let all accounts be in your name
-
Do not place the computer in their
bedrooms but in an area well trafficked by other members of the family so
that it may be easier to see what they are doing on the computer. Remember
it is your home and you are responsible for what goes on there.
-
Insist that the child never divulge
personal information when completing profiles and minimize dissemination.
-
Create and use strong passwords
-
Use computer or internet software programs
which can create an age based access level. This should allow you to set
parental control
-
Create an activity log which will enable
you to get screen shots and email messages to you when your rules are
violated.
-
Implement time restrictions on the use of
the computer
