Teaching Kids What To Steer Clear From Online.
We teach our children to stop and look both ways before crossing streets, not to touch stove burners and never talk to strangers. To that list, we must now add instructions on how to negotiate the internet safely. Children are venturing out on the internet at an early age now days. There are many sites devoted to fun and education for the youngest of children. Although these sites may be perfectly safe, the adventurous child will soon be navigating on their own and need to understand the pitfalls that may present themselves.
This is ongoing guidance.The whole story can be found at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/hemanshu-nigam/so-many-kid-sites-so-litt_b_944310.html It is not enough to address the issue once. Continued reinforcement is necessary as children develop computer skills. As they gain proficiency in navigating the web, they need greater explanation and monitoring to maintain their safety.
Explain to your child that she must never give out personal information. Clarify exactly what personal information means and why, in a manner appropriate for her age level. Using the analogy of talking to strangers, you should impress upon your child the importance of not giving out any information regarding herself or any other family member.
As children become comfortable with negotiating the internet, their natural curiosity will have them searching for new places to go. Make them aware that what might seem like a great place is not appropriate for their age. Just as we don-t allow younger children to watch mature movies, we should make sure that our children only frequent sites that are age appropriate.
You must decide what your child and her maturity level is capable of managing, both in where she goes and in how much she can understand. Having fun on internet websites together is important for a parent as well as the child. In this way, the parent has a clear understanding of how safe sites operate and allows for ongoing discussion about where the child goes and what she does.
The internet can be an enjoyable and educational experience, but one which comes with risks. Prepare your child and it will be a safe one as well.