- Explain that there are rules that must be followed – and why. One of the key rules is that you will review the content of their Facebook pages, e-mails and gaming habits.
- Purchase only devices that come with parental controls. Visit your local tech store with your child and ask someone to show you how to use them.
- Monitor which sites your child visits. Even with an internet filter, you should always check out the browser history.
- Learn to recognize the behavior signs that indicate children are involved in risky behavior. There is a very good description and discussion about this at www.Internet Safety 101.com
- Talk to your children about the wise use of technology, and set boundaries. It’s not just content that’s harming our children; it’s also the amount of time they are spending online. Children who spend too much time chatting online tend to move into inappropriate subject matter and use inappropriate language.
- Remind your children that anything they post or say is open for the entire world to see. There is no true privacy in texting, e-mail or social networking sites.
The many practical solutions to dangerous online content, contact and conduct are contained in the new program, Internet Safety 101. Log on to InternetSafety101.com for the most comprehensive set of “Rules and Tools” ever created to keep children safe online. If you don’t keep them safe – no one will.