Children And Online Safety - Continued

Nine to Twelve year olds want to know everything and think they know everything.  Rules are a bit different for the nine to twelve year olds; this age group wants to communicate with their friends by way of instant messaging.  They are into downloading music, e-mailing their friends, playing online games and surfing the web.  Keep the computer in open areas and out of children’s bedroom.  Have a clear set of house rules. Insist that your child never meet anybody they meet online.  If your child has their own e-mail account name then you need to be a password holder to keep track of currently viewed web sites.  Talk to your child about online pornography and direct them to good sites about health and sexuality.  Encourage and support your child to have confidence to tell you if something should make them feel uncomfortable.

Thirteen to Seventeen year olds are tricky ages this age group of children technically knows more about computers than we the parents.  By having a great involvement and an active role in guiding your children’s Internet use you will find your child being more open minded.  Teens like to download music; most have visited chat rooms, and also participated in adult or private chats.  You will need to have a firm list of Internet house rules and set limits to sites that are off limit.  Set hours upon which the Internet may be used.  Always keep the computer in a well-viewed area and out of the children’s bedrooms.  Insist that they never agree to meet an online friend.  Always encourage your teen to tell should someone or something make them feel uncomfortable. 

Having a good sense of communication with your child will give him the wisdom and encouragement to be open and free to tell you anything.