Many of the children in our community are on the computer everyday and have access to the Internet. During this week's DARE classes, I asked the 5th grade students 2 questions. Do you have a computer at home and do you have access to the Internet? Nearly all said yes to both questions. I gave them a handout with tips on how they can be safe while on the Internet. This paper is for the parents.
There are a few common sense rules to keeping safe on the Internet. The computer with Internet access should be in a high traffic area of the home, such as the kitchen, den, living room, etc. This is done to allow parents and other adults to keep easy watch over their child's activities. Certain software is available to prevent children from accessing websites which you, as adults, would object to.
A great concern is "chat rooms" and e-mails. A child's activities in these areas should be monitored, to avoid communication with people they don't know. During the classes this week, I showed the students how easy it is to trick them into revealing information which could make it easy for a "bad guy" to find out their name and address. Below are some tips for you, and on the back you will find some websites with some useful information for parents and software for Internet control. If you have any questions, concerns or any help to offer in this area, please contact me at 978-521-1212, or e-mail me directly at .... grovelanddare@comcast.net
TIPS FOR PARENTS :Learn about the computer and the Internet: Many children have a greater knowledge of computers than their parents. I have told them to be nice and help you out. I'm not an expert at computers, I learned by booting one up and using it.
Know your child's contacts: Everyone has a screen name, get to know your child's friends and their screen names. Check for new and/or strange ones. ASK QUESTIONS! This will show your child you are involved and are interested in their safety.
Closely monitor "chatroom" activity: A chat room is where many people can go and "talk" to each other. Adults who prey on children are at these sites, waiting to ask your child questions about who they are. Always keep in mind the screen name claiming to be a 15 year old girl from Michigan could be a 45 year old male from Haverhill.
No meetings w/out you: Tell your child they are not to meet with ANYONE they have met over the Internet without you being there also. If you have any concerns about someone asking to meet your child, it is important to save, or write down, all the information you can and contact the police department at 978-521-1212.
The computer can be a great source of information and fun for all. Let's all work together to make using the computer a safe experience for our children. Remember to use common sense, if something feels weird - it probably is.
Dwight P. McDonaldBe Sure To Find Out ....
1) Whether the product has the protection features you are looking for
2) Whether the product can be used on the type of computer you have
3) Whether there is a subscription fee after you've bought the product
4) Whether the product works on commercial service providers, only on a direct Internet connection, or both.