Chapter 2
Precautions to Take Before Letting Your Kids Online ("Kids, let's talk")
So you have decided to allow your kids some supervised surfing. Good for you! Or, perhaps you're still debating. That's okay, read on. There are a few common-sense steps you should take before allowing them onto the web.
First of all, let them know that you trust them, and that they are operating on their honor.
Tell them that they are receiving a privilege that can be removed at any time. Not every child can surf the web, so they are truly fortunate. However, such freedom demands that it be used responsibly. Any abuse of the freedom that they have will result in restrictions, possibly severe. Their continued use of the medium depends on their acting responsibly and obediently to you.
If you can't make such a statement to your children that they will take seriously, perhaps they have other issues that need to be worked out before they are allowed online. The fact is that, despite your supervision, your young ones MUST be on board with you in agreeing to the above. This forms the very foundation of their being allowed online. If you can't trust your kids, the internet is no place for them.
Second, let them know that despite your trust, their online activity is subject to your inspection at any time.
This doesn't necessarily mean that you'll be checking their surfing, chatting, and email history 100% of the time. However, you, as a parent, reserve that right. Your kids MUST agree to this, or the deal's off. Any attempts to clear histories or logs will result in SEVERE restrictions.
In chapter four, we will be discussing software that makes it impossible for straying kids to cover their tracks. But your web browser's built-in history feature is a potent tool, giving a clear picture of where your child has been browsing. Your loved youngsters need to be told that, even if they go somewhere that they know they shouldn't, they are better off confessing to it than trying to deceive you.
They should be told that erasing browsing history will get them the "death penalty." That may be banishment from surfing for months, a year, or maybe even longer. On the other hand, straying from your guidelines will ALWAYS result in a smaller step of discipline, as long as the browser's history is intact.
Oh, and one other thing. Make sure you hold up your end of the deal, even though it may not be easy at times!
Third, spend time surfing with them.
Show your kids some of your favorite sites. Show them that family-safe surfing doesn't mean dull. Take them to sites that YOU enjoy.
Of course, surfing the internet shouldn't be the only activity that you spend with your kids. Really, it should be one of many. That leads us to the next point.
|
