No matter the age of your child online safety issues should be a major concern to any parent. It’s never too early to practice online safety issues. A computer being the thing of today’s generation of children it’s hard not to expose your children to the virtual world of Internet. Internet safety should be introduced as early as the computer is being introduced. You may feel a certain age group is too young and find it unnecessary but there are age appropriate tips to follow whatever the age.
The following are some useful information to encourage safety:
At the pre-school level it is very important that you sit with your child as they surf the web. Personalize an online environment, which will allow you child to go into acceptable sites. These sites may be added to your favorite spots. Start teaching your child about privacy. If a site encourages a child to submit his name, help him create a nickname that he may use online and discourage your child from giving out his real name.
Children age five and six year olds are capable of following commands, using the mouse, and playing computer games. Create a personalized online environment by adding acceptable sites to his favorite list. Use pop-up blocking software to block unwanted pop up windows. Keep the computer in an opened view area, which is visible, to all. Teach them about privacy and encourage them never to give out their real name or personal information. Do not permit a child this age to get in chat rooms, e-mails or instant messaging. Encourage and support your child to have confidence to tell you if something should make them feel uncomfortable.
At age seven or eight year olds children’s curiosity is growing as fast as they are. At this as you need to create a set of Internet rules. Encourage your child to visit only sites, which you approve of. Have a family shared e-mail account upon which you are able to overview and monitor previous viewed websites. Instant messaging should not be used at this age group. Encourage and support your child to have confidence to tell you if something should make them feel uncomfortable.
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