ScottCounseling

Child behavior on the internet has taken center stage in the U.S. in respect to child safety and child social development. More and more younger children are beginning to surf the Internet without their parent’s knowledge or understanding of the dangers that exist.

Like most parents, you probably have rules for how your children should deal with strangers, which TV shows, movies, and videos they’re allowed to watch, what stores they’re allowed to enter, and where and how far from home they’re allowed to travel. It’s important to make similar rules for your children’s Internet use and to be aware of their online activities.

You’ll also want to make sure that surfing the Net doesn’t take the place of homework, social activities, or other important interests. You might even set an alarm clock or timer if you or your child tend to lose track of time. This section offers tips for ensuring that your children have safe, productive, and enjoyable experiences on the Internet.

Interacting with Others on the Internet

Just as we tell our children to be wary of strangers they meet, we need to tell them to be wary of strangers on the Internet. Most people behave reasonably and decently online, but some are rude, mean, or even criminal. Teach your children that they should:

• Never give out personal information (including their name, home address, phone number, age, race, family income, school name or location, or friends’ names) or use a credit card online without your permission.
• Never share their password, even with friends.
• Never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they meet online unless you approve of the meeting and go with them to a public place.
• Never respond to messages that make them feel confused or uncomfortable. They should ignore the sender, end the communication, and tell you or another trusted adult right away.
• Never use bad language or send mean messages online.
• Also, make sure your children know that people they meet online are not always who they say they are and that online information is not necessarily private.


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