Fourth, don't let them spend too much time online.
I don't know what it is about the 'net, but it can sure consume your time. Who hasn't had  the experience of getting lost in online activities, only to look at a clock and be shocked at how much time has been spent? Chatting seems to be particularly hypnotizing.
So make it clear that your kids will have LIMITED surfing time. Make certain that they still spend plenty of time playing outside, keeping their room clean, reading real books, and yes, even a little bit of watching the idiot box (a.k.a. the TV).
Now it is up to you, the parent, to enforce the time limit. And you, the parent, have a crazy schedule. It takes lots of resources, time, and hard work to get by in this world. And sometimes, you are not going to be able to be 100% attentive to your kids. Just don't give into the temptation to let them spend too much time online.
Your example speaks very loudly here. What are your own computer habits? Do your kids frequently walk into the room to find you on the computer? Of course, if you are working and not playing, that's different. But still, that "smart box" can rule your life if you're not careful. Show your kids that it's just a diversion like any other, worthy of being used in moderation.
Fifth, we have ONE internet machine.
As computers, routers, and broadband access have plummeted in price, a large percentage of homes have multiple machines hooked up together sharing internet access. YOUR KIDS MUST NOT HAVE UNLIMITED INTERNET ACCESS IN A PRIVATE AREA! We will be reviewing supervisory software in chapter 4 that will limit internet access. But if you don't have such reliable software, then you must block internet access to any computers that your kids can access except a single machine in a very public area. This can be easily done via your router. Read the manual that came with it to see how to lock down internet access to one mac address .
Sixth, don't give personal info to ANYONE
Make it clear that your kids are NEVER to reveal personal information such as their address, their home telephone number, or the name and location of their school, unless they check with you FIRST. They should also NEVER send photos without your permission.
Those are some basics in common sense. Now, let's spend some more time on that city analogy.
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