How to Collaborate with Children Regarding Internet Safety | Self ...

How to Collaborate with Children Regarding Internet Safety

COLLABORATION

One of the best approaches to keeping kids safe online is to work with them in a collaborative effort. Communication involves interaction. Begin by talking to your child about Internet safety. Follow up with questions and concerns that your child may have.

Of course, the process of communication will vary according to the child?s age. Working together to form viable solutions to real problems is the ideal. The child or teen should feel that she has choice and that she has some control over the situation.

RULES

It is important to present the development of rules in a collaborative fashion with your child. Simply laying down the law with no reasoning behind the rules can work against your efforts in some cases. If children have a clear understanding of the rules and their development, they are more likely to follow through.

When you establish rules together the child has some feeling of control. He is an active participant in the decision-making process. Following are some general rules to consider when developing home computer use regulations for the family to share.

1. Never give out personal information including phone numbers, addressees, real names and locations.
2. Do not give out any passwords even to your best friends.
3. Private chat rooms are off limits.
4. Use a screen names for different sites. Change the name according to the site you are using.
5. Search through bookmarked pages first. If you need to browse the Internet, ask.
6. Always tell parents, caregivers or a trusted adult about disturbing or anonymous correspondences.
7. Do not meet anyone you encounter online in person. Ever.

The rules in your home will vary according to your child?s specific needs. It is important to remember to develop these rules together rather than simple writing them down and placing them next to the computer station. These items should be discussed and explored in collaboration.

WRITTEN AND VERBAL AGREEMENTS

Parents may want to write a contract for their child to sign. This contract should include the specific rules and regulations of computer use. The child can read the document and explain what it means briefly before signing it. This can be an effective approach since it is so concrete.

Verbal agreements are not tangible. They may be easily forgotten and the child can easily fall into bad habits. Presenting a document that is created in collaboration is far more effective than spoken agreements.

ESTABLISHING A SCHEDULE

The Internet can be very addictive and extremely distracting. Using bookmarks for favorite websites is a fantastic way to ensure that the child isn?t surfing the Web too much. Scheduling is another great approach to proper time management on the computer.

There are countless benefits to schedules including the development of valuable time management skills and self control. Like rules, schedules can be created in a collaborative effort. The child or teen can clearly see how much time is allotted for each particular activity.

You may be surprised by how willing a child is to work with a schedule. Some love to help create a calendar of visual timetable. Parents can always encourage their child to adhere to the schedule by offering an extra hour or two of free time every so often.

PRIVACY

Privacy is a crucial issue to many children and teenagers. There is a balance that needs to be considered, especially as the child grows older. Teenagers are caught in a frenzy of needing independence while still depending on their parents for support and guidance. Not enough supervision can be detrimental. Too much supervision can be devastating.

Encourage your child to communicate his thoughts and concerns with you. Many teens and children avoid inappropriate online activity because they are afraid of being banned from the Internet. Parents can help their children realize that truth and clear communication will not result in privileges being taken away.

PERSONAL JOURNALS AND DIARIES

Influence your child to keep private thoughts in a diary or journal. The child can choose her own book equipped with a lock and key. Some newer journals are electronic, requiring voice activation to open. This is a wonderful approach to creating a privacy balance. It also works to help children realize that very personal thoughts and ideas belong in the home, not on the Internet.

Related posts:

1. Parents Guide to Kids Internet Safety: Introduction
2. Helping Your Children Stay Safe While Accessing the Internet
3. Parents Guide to Internet: Where Children Use Computers?
4. Software and Online Resources for Kids Internet Safety
5. Types of Internet Crimes Against Children
6. Internet Safety for KIDS: What Can Parents Do?
7. The Statistics on Child Abuse on the Internet
8. Your Child?s Safety at Social Networking Venues
9. Dangers of Internet: What Parents Know?
10. How To Handle Your Children After Divorce
11. Causes Of Bedwetting In Children
12. How to Allocate Time for Your Internet Marketing Business
13. LIFE Balance: The Key to Being Successful and Happy in Internet Marketing Career
14. Background Check to Protect Your Children
15. After School Activities and Your Children

Source: http://www.e-self-help.com/how-to-collaborate-with-children-regarding-internet-safety/

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