Parents
tell children, “Don’t talk to strangers.” With wide use of the Internet, the
possibility of talking to strangers in cyberspace is now an issue as well.
But
it doesn’t need to be. Children can make very good use of the Internet without
using chat rooms or interactive forums that bring them in contact with
strangers.
Parents
can help keep their children safe by setting rules and enforcing them. Remember,
even if you don’t have a mobile device or a computer at home, your children can
still use online services at a friend’s house or even a public library.
So
help your child understand that online activity is a privilege. Children should
also agree to:
• Limit time online
to 8 hours per week.
• Never give out
their name, address, phone number, school, or password to anyone online.
• Report to you
anyone online who asks for personal information.
• Tell you if someone
sends messages that are uncomfortable or inappropriate.
• Never arrange to
meet friends they have met online, unless you are with them.
• Never spend time in
adult chat rooms or newsgroups.
• Refrain from using
bad language or sending cruel messages.
Build
in natural consequences. If any of these agreements are broken, children
generally should lose online privileges for one week per broken promise.
Remember:
safety online is as important as safety offline.
