The OneMinute Geek:

Online Rules for Children

The Problem:

In last week’s column, we looked at some of the rules children can agree to abide by when online.  The purpose was to clearly define a set of limits to protect our young ones from all the evil things found on the Internet.

As always in parenting, there are things children must agree to do, as well as things parents must agree to do.  For example, what have we as parents done within the last few days to foster a closer, more communicative relationship with our child?  What have we done recently in the way of quality time?  When it comes to our children’s safety, nothing beats having a good, solid rapport between parent and child. Ultimately, whether its something at school or something online, we want our child to feel that he or she can speak with us about any concern, without fear of punishment.

So what can we as parents agree to do?  And how can we spot possible problems with our children’s online activities?

The Solution:

In addition to the rules children promised to adhere to, parents can agree to the following:

• To know what services and Web sites the children use.
• To keep an eye on children when online and remind them of the rules that keeps them safe.
• To accompany our kids if we agree to a meeting with an "e-pal" in a public place not to overreact if our child has a problem. To try to solve the problem and prevent it from happening again.
• Not to use a PC or the Internet as an electronic babysitter.
• To help make the Internet a family activity and plan family events using the Internet.
• To get to know the children's "online friends" just as they try getting to know other friends.
• To be good online citizens and not do anything that hurts other people or is against the law.

Now, there are certain warning signs you can watch out for that could indicate your child has a problem with Internet or chat room use. Bear in mind that you are looking for a general trend in behavior rather than any specific sign, but problems could be indicated by the following:

1. Hiding computer CDs and disks.
2. A quick change of what's on the computer screen when you enter the room.
3. Spending a lot of time on the Internet or being online late into the night.
4. Changes in behavior, for example: secretiveness, inappropriate sexual knowledge, mention of adults you don’t know, and sleeping problems.
5. Neglecting school assignments, avoiding normal social activities or withdrawing from the family.
6. The Internet browser history is empty.
7. Finding pornography or encrypted (coded) file son the computer.
8. Your child receives post or gifts from someone you don't know.
9. You find an extra Internet dial-up account on the computer.
10. Your credit card statement lists charges identified only as 'website'

The above rules and warning signs come from www.CyberPatrol.com, one of the largest providers of parental control software.  Visit their site for more tips and tricks.  Also, if you’re interested in having one of our Child Safety Experts give a free one-hour seminar to your church, school, company or neighborhood get together; call James Kerr at 778-7117.  We would be delighted to help make your computing environment as safe as possible for your children.