It’s back to school time for kids. That means new clothes, new school supplies,
new friends, and unfortunately, new dangers for young students. Now more than ever, students are using the
Internet as part of their studies in school and at home. Whether it is a smart phone, desktop
computer, tablet or even gaming device, young people are accessing the Internet
continually throughout their day. And,
for every second they are surfing the web, there are dangers lurking.
The Internet offers many opportunities for young people.
It is a gateway to exciting new opportunities and allows young people to expand
their horizons far beyond their neighborhood. But, it can also be a place of
danger. That is why we need to ensure the Internet is a safe and secure
environment for our young people. Just as we teach our children to not talk to
strangers, be aware of dangers in our community, and what to do if someone
bullies them in person, we must address those dangers online.
Even the most tech-savvy kids and adults need to
understand that not everything they see on the Internet is true, that people on
the Internet may not be who they appear to be, that information or images they
share can be seen far and wide, and that once something is posted online, it’s
almost impossible to “take it back.”
The best way to protect your kids online is to talk to
them. When children want important information, most rely on their parents.
Children value the opinions of their peers, but tend to rely on their parents
for help on the issues that matter most.
The Federal Trade Commission’s OnGuardOnline.gov
initiative provides specific tips for parents on what to say to kids about
Internet safety:
Start early.
After all, even toddlers see their parents use all kinds
of devices. As soon as your child is using a computer, a cell phone, or any
mobile device, it's time to talk to them about online behavior, safety and
security. As a parent, you have the opportunity to talk to your kid about
what's important before anyone else does.
Initiate conversations.
Even if your kids are comfortable approaching you, don't
wait for them to start the conversation. Use everyday opportunities to talk to
your kids about being online. For instance, a TV program featuring a teen
online or using a cell phone can tee up a discussion about what to do — or not
— in similar circumstances. And news stories about internet scams or
cyberbullying can help you start a conversation about your kids’ experiences
and your expectations.
Create an honest, open environment.
Kids look to their parents to help guide them. Be
supportive and positive. Listening and taking their feelings into account helps
keep conversation afloat. You may not have all the answers, and being honest
about that can go a long way.
Communicate your values.
Be upfront about your values and how they apply in an
online context. Communicating your values clearly can help your kids make
smarter and more thoughtful decisions when they face tricky situations.
Be patient.
Resist the urge to rush through conversations with your
kids. Most kids need to hear information repeated, and in small doses, for it
to sink in. If you keep talking with your kids, your patience and persistence
will pay off in the long run. Work hard to keep the lines of communication
open, even if you learn your child has
done something online you find inappropriate.
There are many useful resources available to parents from
conversation starters and Internet use contracts between parents and kids to
online monitoring software to see exactly what your children are doing
online. Two very helpful ones are the FTC’s
OnGuardOnline at www.onguardonline.gov
and the Center for Missing and Exploited Children, at www.missingkids.com.
The Internet is creating a world that is more open and
connected, enabling people to share the most important parts of their lives
with families, friends and communities. In this new world, parents have a very
important role in making sure that children are safe from online dangers and
learn how to make informed choices about how they connect and share.
