Child Safe Internet Tips for Parents

A child safe internet is a concept that encompasses all of the positive and educational aspects associated with the internet without any of the scary negatives that we hear about on the news constantly. I think we can all agree that the internet has presented numerous benefits that we all enjoy: Lightning fast information finding, shopping, dating, social networking, business…you name it. The internet has opened up a whole world of possibilities yet at the same time has also presented itself as yet another variable we must monitor in order to protect our children.

Yes, the internet has wonderful things for children and teenagers that can expand their world that we cannot deny. But it also can expose our children to things that are dangerous to them: inappropriate content, sexually explicit and violent subject matter and images, predators, and other scary things that just about scare me to death as a parent!

As a parent who loves and adores my children, it is vitally important that I closely monitor my children and promote a child safe internet in my home. Internet safety for kids is essential in the world we live in and something each and every parent must consider and act on.

If you’re looking for child safe internet tips for kids that allow them the ability to explore the wonderful possibilities of the internet, then check out these important tips to keep them safe while they surf the net.

Child Safe Internet Tip #1: Define Your Computer and Internet Rules

Sit down as parents and figure out your expectations for your children and their computer time. Do your research and learn everything you can about the dangers of the internet and what you, as a parent, can do to help protect them. Clearly define them to yourself before you present them to your child.

Child Safe Internet Tip #2: Computer Placement is Important

Pull the computer out of your child’s bedroom and keep it in a busy room in the house: the kitchen, living room, family room, or wherever the computer will be most visible.

Child Safe Internet Tip #3: Teach Your Child Discretion

Explain to your child the importance of privacy on the net. Instruct them to never, ever give their personal information (name, age, address, phone number, city, etc.) to ANYONE online. Explain to them what can happen if they do divulge personal information.

Child Safe Internet Tip #4: NO Chatroom Rule

Chatrooms are dangerous places for children and teenagers to “hang out”. These chatrooms are full of predators so make a very strict no chatroom policy.

Child Safe Internet Tip #5: Know Your Child’s Friends and Online Activities

Make sure you know ALL your child’s “buddies” and online activities. Approve all of your child’s instant message buddies and limit messaging time. The Pew Internet & American Life Project in 2005 found that 65% of all parents and 64% of all teens say that teens behave online in ways they wouldn’t want their parents to know about.

Child Safe Internet Tip #6: Use Parental Controls

The use of parental controls, filtering, and other technology will block any sites that are identified as dangerous. This is a MUST!

Child Safe Internet #7: Monitor
Monitoring the time your child spends online will keep them out of more trouble.

Child Safe Internet Tip #8: NO face-to-face meetings with Strangers!

Make this a hard rule. Explain to your child or teenager the dangers of doing this and the consequence they will experience if they do.

Child Safe Internet Tip #9: NO Online Profiles

Do not allow your child to have an online profile (MySpace, FaceBook, etc.) with personal information and pictures.

Child Safe Internet Tip #10: Report Dangerous Content or Activity

If you suspect illegal or criminal activities, report them to local law enforcement and to Cybertipline at 1-800-843-5678.

Child Safe Internet Tip #11: Have a Dialogue with Your Child

Thoroughly discuss the dangers, rules and consequences relating to the computer and the internet and ensure your child completely understands. Make sure your child realizes you are creating these rules to keep them safe because you love them.

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