Home › TIPS TO HELP PARENTS TALK TO THEIR CHILDREN ABOUT USING TECHNOLOGY APPROPRIATELY
TIPS TO HELP PARENTS TALK TO THEIR CHILDREN ABOUT USING TECHNOLOGY APPROPRIATELY
EMPHASIZE THE CONCEPT THAT “CYBERSPACE” IS NOT “PRIVATE SPACE”
Parents/Guardians should talk to their children about what they are doing in Cyberspace. Talk openly and honestly about online and cell phone activity. Make sure that your children fully un derstand that messages or pictures they send over the Internet or their cell phones are not private or anonymous. Also make sure they know that others might forward their pictures or messages to people they do not know. It is essential that students grasp the potential short-term and long-term consequences of their actions on the Internet and while using their cell phone or other electronic devices.
KNOW WITH WHOM YOUR CHILD IS COMMUNICATING ELECTRONICALLY
- LEARN who your children are spending time with online and on the phone.
Supervising and monitoring your child’s’ whereabouts in cyberspace is now part of conscientious parenting today. - LIMIT electronic communication and its location
You can limit the time your children spend online and on the phone. Do not permit access to phones and computers at inappropriate times such as after bedtime or in unsupervised locations such as their own bedroom. - MONITOR your child’s public online profiles.
Be aware of what your child is posting publicly on the Internet. Talk with them specifically about their own conception of what is public and what is private.
SET EXPECTATIONS AND REVISE AS NEEDED
- COMMUNICATE
with your children about what you consider appropriate “electronic”
behavior.
Make sure you let your children know what is and is not allowed online - REMIND
your children about your expectations from time to time.
This does not mean that you do not trust them; it just reinforces the fact that you are paying attention. - REVISE
your expectations as needed
When a “new piece” of technology is added, review and revise your expectations.
Selected Resources About Keeping Children Safe Online
A Parent's Guide to Internet Safety – A Publication from the U.S. Department of Justice
http://www.fbi.gov/publications/pguide/pguidee.htm
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children jointly published the Parents Guide to Online Safety.
Federal Trade Commission - Facts for Consumers about Protecting Kids Privacy Online
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/tech/tec08.shtm
Information about The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act – COPPA – which gives parents control over what information websites can collect from their kids.
Internet Keep Safe Coalition – Parent Resource Center
A partnership of governors and/or first spouses, attorneys general, public health and educational professionals, law enforcement, and industry leaders working together for the health and safety of youth online.
ISAFE
Parents can register for training modules to assist them with talking to their children about Internet Safety provided by ISafe.org in partnership with Microsoft.
Microsoft Online Safety
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/parents/childsafety/age.aspx
Age-based guidelines for Internet use by children and other information from Microsoft.
Net Nanny - Top Ten Internet Safety Tips
http://www.netnanny.com/learn_center/safety_tips
Net Nanny is one of the publishers of Internet Filter Software that can be used at home. Net Nanny provides suggestions for parents about addressing Internet Safety with their children.
NetSmartz
http://www.netsmartz.org/netparents.htm
Created by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America and uses computer-based, interactive games and activities to teach students ages 5-17 how to be safer when using the Internet.