Steps Parents Can Take to Encourage Responsible Use of the Internet
1. Place your family's computer in a room in the house that is centrally located and easy for parents to walk by to monitor or participate in what your child is viewing. It is recommended not to let your child have a computer in his/her room or behind closed doors. This will only contribute to your child's false sense of security while on-line and hinder parents' efforts to stay involved in what their children are doing while using the computer.
2. Limit the amount of time your child spends on-line. Like any other activity, using the Internet should be done in moderation and not interfere with other healthy activities for children. Once your child chooses to spend time on-line rather than interacting with other children face-to-face, or his/her other interests seem to always come second to the computer, then it may be time to review with your child how important is to show moderation while enjoying the Internet. Need help on setting limits? Please visit our parenting book store under "effective discipline."
3. Spend time with your child online. Get involved with your child's interests on the Internet. If a child is chatting with friends, e-mailing jokes back and forth, or playing on-line games, a parent must keep up to date on the various goings on. Sit down next to your child and observe what they are using the computer for. Parents need to help children explore the vast resources of the Internet, and educate them (and themselves) on what the Internet has to offer.
4. Talk to your child
about the impact of his or her words and actions on others. It's important
that children be taught "empathy" and be sensitive and respectful
of others' feelings. Make them aware that communcation online should respect
the same limits and boundaries as face-to-face communcation. For
more information on "healthy
communication," please visait our parenting
book store.
© 1999-2007 Marty Stewart - Unauthorized use is prohibited.
