Parents can help children learn to use their
time wisely and safely, especially when using the Internet.
Surfing through the Internet
provides many opportunities for exciting discoveries. But there is also the
potential for encounters with the unknown.
Teach your children to navigate
efficiently and safely by establishing household Net rules. These might
include:
• Have an
action plan for using time online. Set a time limit and have children jot down
an outline of sites or topics they want to check out. It is easy to waste a lot
of time surfing the Net if you don’t have specific goals in mind.
•
Remember that homework on the Internet comes before playing games or
socializing. The serious tasks need to be tackled first.
Then you can set up guidelines for
game-playing, chatting, and emailing.
•
Make sure to emphasize keeping passwords a secret.
•
Let your children know that there are people on the Net who are up to no
good and are trying to collect private information.
Make sure they know NOT to give
their full name, address, telephone number, Social Security number, or any
other personal identification information to anyone online without your
permission.
The Internet can help students on
many levels and can also provide entertainment and social interaction.
Give your children the information
they need ahead of time to make good decisions and stay safe.
