Kids and the Internet

 By Brian H. Scott

The Internet is a vast and expansive universe of information. But with the good comes the bad.  That does not mean that your child should not experience the Internet.  It simply means your child has to understand it. You would not let your child cross the street without teaching him or her to look both ways first.  The same applies here.

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• Make sure that your child understands that using the Internet is similar to communicating with someone on the phone. It is not just a machine. Real people are the core of it. They tell it what to do.

• Instruct your child not to talk with people in chat rooms unless you say it's okay. And if you do make sure you review the situation first.

• If your kids look for information through news groups tell them to read but not to reply, unless you say it is okay. And if you do, remember that anyone can read your reply and contact you  through your email.

• Tell your child not to order merchandise or enter con****s over the Internet unless you okay it first.

• Tell your child not to respond to surveys and never to give out their name, phone number or address over the Internet.

• Check on your children. Don't just leave them unattended on the Internet. Take a minute to see what it is they are looking at.

• Most browsers have some parental controls built in use them to limit your child's access.

• Whenever your child gets connected to the Internet you should check the email and tell them not to do so. Then you will know who is trying to contact them and be able to intercept any objectionable materials.

• If someone does get your email address and is sending you unwanted correspondences change your email address. If your provider won't let you cancel, then open a new account.

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