More on Internet Safety
Posted by Neena on 03/21/07 in Elementary Age Children, Parenting Teen, Products, Technology
My children have not yet ventured into the world of instant messaging and internet chatrooms. And I intend to keep it that way for as long as possible. But the oldest one has been asking because, I quote “all my friends” are instant messaging. I guess I’m from the old fashioned school where if you need to talk to someone - just pick up the phone or see them in class tomorrow.
I also want to trust my children when they are on the computer and not look over their shoulder at all times. But curiosity has gotten the best of all of us. It is human nature, after all.
I walked away from this morning’s presentation with a few more ideas and a long to-do list.
- First, there is no substitue for parental involvement. As I previously posted the location of the computer is KEY. It should be in a common area where you can always monitor what the kids are doing.
- Second, open communication is critical. Should you punish the kids if they come across offensive content? The answer is no. You should appreciate the fact that they were upfront with you. But, at the same time you need to work together to avoid a repeat.
- Third, I could use a little help from a software program - perhaps to restrict the time allowed on the internet or the sites visited.Clearly I have some homework to do.
The following sites provide some tools and food for thought: www.isafe.org, www.netsmartz.org, and www.teenangels.org.
This is a software program that provides parental controls on Windows based computers. Read more about it at www.mysafekeeper.com.
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wahmbuddy | Mar 22, 2007 | Reply
I know what you mean about the instant messaging Neena. I had a 14 yo girl staying with me, and I couldn’t get her off msn. We need to teach our children safety online, but have an open communication about it.
I would love to do a link exchange with you…I’m adding you to my blogroll as soon as I post this, you can check it out at:
http://homewithheather.com
Neena | Mar 22, 2007 | Reply
wahmbuddy,
Thanks for the link exchange and thank you also for the insight - it is a big world out there.
Anonymous | Mar 22, 2007 | Reply
Hi Neena!
I’ve added you to my blogroll right now.
Thank you for commenting in my blog!
Of course I would love to do a link exchange
Best regards,
Esperance
http://mymanythoughts.com/
Neena | Mar 22, 2007 | Reply
Thank you!
Parry Aftab | Mar 22, 2007 | Reply
Hi Neena.
A couple more sites on Internet safety for you and a way to get involved.
I run wiredsafety.org, which is the parent organization of teenangels.org. we are the world’s largest cybersafety and help group, comprised entirely of unpaid volunteers. I am also a mom (luckily, the kids are now adults :-)), and founded teenangels.
check out stopcyberbullying.org, wiredsafety.org, wiredkids.org and katiesplace.org. These are all our sites, with slightly different themes.
In addition, we have a new mom-centric program, called wiredmoms. it is designed to get moms blogging and social networking or just involved, and will share tutorials, printable, hold classes and give moms the support, information and networks they need ot protect their kids and all kids online.
I see it as a cyberarmy of moms, an online equaivalent of MADD, but on cybersafety and responsible use.
I welcome your help and appreciate your mention of teenangels.
if you want to help us get the word out and create the network for wiredmoms, I welcome your help and the help of your readers. Drop by wiredsafety.org and fill out the volunteer form. Wiredmoms are exempt form our police clearance and training requirements.
Tel them I reached out to you and your readers. they will make it easier to get involved.
we can keep them safe together.
best.
Parry Aftab
Exec
Director
WiredSafety.org
Neena | Mar 22, 2007 | Reply
Parry,
Thank you for all the links - I plan to check visit them over the next few days. I am heartened to find so many resources to empower parents and I will do my best to get the word out!