Suggestions for Computer Use at Home
Most parents worry that their children are more computer literate
then they are. They cannot comprehend how they can possibly supervise
their child's experience on the Internet. What follows is a list
of suggestions that could help.
Parents must always remember the investment that they have made,
both in the child and in the computer. If they commit the time
necessary for such a significant investment, parents can make
their child's experience both positive, productive, and educational.
1. Keep the family computer in a family room. Place it
where you can watch the screen and participate in your child's activities.
2. Spend time with your child both online and off line.
If online material is inappropriate to you, take the time to talk to your child.
3. Purchase a filtering software program. There are a
number of programs that filter and block access to adult Internet
sites.
You can use these programs to assist in your supervision of your
child. Be aware that these programs may also filter out material
which you find desirable.
Cyber Patrol: http://www.cyberpatrol.com
Net Nanny: http://www.netnanny.com/
4. Monitor your credit card bill. Many adult Internet
sites require credit cards in order to gain access. If your credit
card is used, you should have a record of it.
5. Inquire into child accounts. Some online services have
special accounts especially geared for children, with restricted
access to chat rooms and the Internet.
6. Tell your child not to play with strangers. The Internet
version of this means never give a stranger personal information.
Teach your child to never give out your address, your phone number,
or any personal information.
Some individuals desire to harm children. Others seek to gather
market research, raising privacy concerns. These people entice
children to their site with graphics and games. These sites can
be packed with advertisements. They may reward children for providing
personal information, their likes and dislikes, and information
concerning their friends. They may e-mail your child with more
advertisements, request more information, and request that they
return to their advertisement laden sites.
7. Introduce new friends to mom and dad first. If your
child has made an online friend and would like to get to know
that person better, ask your child to introduce the friend to
you first.
8. Use a Nickname.
When entering chat rooms, bulletin boards and other public rooms,
encourage your child to pick out and use a favor nick name distinct
from their real name. This is a regular practice on the IRC and
permits a nice level of anonymity, allowing users to learn more
about each other only when and if they and their parents are ready.
9. Big Brother Is Watching. Everywhere you go on the Internet,
you leave information about yourself. When a user posts to USENET,
IRC Chat Rooms, or Listservers, the user reveals his or her e-mail
address, creating a way for people to contact the user. In addition,
different Web sites collect information known as "cookies."
This is personal information related to your Internet Account
including your name, your address, your phone number, and even,
if set up incorrectly, your credit card number. Be careful where
you leave your information. Ask you Internet Service Provider
how to turn your "cookies" off. Also look for the "E-Trust"
symbol. This is a voluntary standard set up by the Electronic
Frontier Foundation whereby Web pages agree that they will not
collect information about you when you visit their site.
The Internet is a wonderful new opportunity for children. As with
everything, the quality of a child's experience will be directly
related to a parent's investment in that experience. If you take
the time, you can make that experience positive and productive.
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