The Internet is the modern child's playground, and parents need to be aware of the dangers lurking on the Internet.
Just as you wouldn't let your child go to a strange park by herself, you should also supervise while she surfs the Web. Even pre-schoolers have innocently stumbled upon inappropriate material, and grade schoolers doing research are at an even bigger risk.
The Tamaguci family has traveled the world but there is one place they are still nervous about exploring the Internet.
Parenting Magazine says the best way to keep your child safe on the information superhighway is to do your navigating together.
Lyna Floyd, Parenting Magazine Expert, says, “Mom and dad want to step inside their child's cyber world. The same way that you know every inch of the playground around the corner and down the block, you want to be aware of what's going on in their online playground. One of the best things you can do is be their co pilot sit right next to them as they are surfing the internet. You will see how easily she can get exposed to questionable material but at the same time it is very easy to point and click them in the right direction.”
Set house rules; decide how much time your children can go online and to which sites. To avoid confusion, post a list of sites or even have them sign a contract, like the one you can find at safekids.com
Use a central location: keep the computer where it is easy to monitor its use.
Be the go-to mom. Let your children know they can come to you when they're uncomfortable and you will not overreact. Parental supervision is best, but there are devices like Securi-Key 2.0 to help restrict access.
The key is to stay in tune with what your kids are doing on the computer because there are predators on the other end of the keyboard waiting to take advantage of your child.
For more information on keeping kids safe on the Internet check out the March issue of Parenting Magazine.