Children and Internet Safety

Today's society offers manifold reasons why child rearing has

never before been so challenging. It seems that everywhere you look - television, magazines, the music industry, in schools, and even in homes - our children are bombarded with complex choices. But because children aren't mature enough to handle many decision-making selections, we see the consequences of our kids making those preferences based on the impulsiveness of their youth.

Corporations have jumped on the business of Internet content blocking that is supposed to give parents more security that Little Suzie is safe from being a victim of heinous-minded predators online. However, we continue to read about child victims who swallowed every line of potentially dangerous verbiage told them by people who are destructive with our children. They count on the immaturity and the child's innate predisposition to believe anyone who comes along thinking that humanity is inherently good. Children searching for the missing companionship at home are particularly vulnerable. While there was a day when the concept of trust was mostly true, it certainly isn't true today.

Parents can take steps that will help prevent predator disasters of their children. Although some of these tips take extra time and effort on the part of the parent, they are well worth keeping children safe.

1.         If the parent(s) work outside the home put a password on the computer so the child can't access it while you're away. In cases where the child refuses to listen to the rules, some parents have taken the power cord from the computer to work with them.

2.         When the parent is home, put the computer in a place where you can oversee what's going on. If the child quickly minimizes a web page when you look, you know he/she may be hiding something.

3.         Like with anything else children do that they're not supposed to, there should be consequences in place when the child acts inappropriately on the computer.

4.         Educating your children about the dangers that lurk on the Internet is necessary. When noticing a news program about children who have been victims of Internet predators tell your child and talk about it. Communication is the best method of preventing catastrophes and prevents the it-will-never-happen-to-me mindset if kids see real life examples.

5.         There is software that will monitor every stroke typed on the keyboard without the user knowing. Sometimes children lie about their activities because of fear of getting into trouble. With this software, they can see proof of their behavior should you ever need to use it.

6.         With the popular invention of Internet capable cell phones, parental control of child safety on the web is more challenging than ever before. The "everyone has it" excuse doesn't override the necessity of keeping your child safe until he/she is older.

7.         Many communities have classes for parents about the dangers of the Internet and how to keep your child safe. Attending some of these will really open your eyes, as parents who have experienced predator-type problems are usually the speakers.

While technology has given us a whole new world of information and ways to keep close with distant family and friends, nothing is worth taking the chance of allowing Internet predators into the minds and hearts of our children.

Becoming a more aware parent by implementing the tips above will allow you and your family more serenity by providing safety and peace of mind while the parent is away from home.