Know what your children are doing online
Many parents are concerned about what their children are doing online. There are far more dangers these days than ever before due to how much more accessible children are to dangers such as online predators. These are not the only dangers that exist for children. Online forums are also used for bullying and other inappropriate behavior. It puts parents in a difficult position because you don’t want to tell your child that he can’t go online like all his friends do, but you also don’t want to allow him to fall victim to the many risks that exist. here in the online world. The best option is to keep an open line of communication on this topic with your children. If you don’t ban and instead talk openly with your kids about what’s out there, they’re more likely to feel respected and therefore open up to you.
Almost every home in the United States has a computer connected to some type of high-speed Internet service, whether it’s cable, DSL, or satellite Internet. Now with satellite internet even more people have the option to surf online at high speeds. Previously, this was not possible due to the limited availability of other forms of high-speed Internet. In many ways, the increased accessibility of the Internet is a great thing. Satellite Internet has given people living in even the most rural areas the opportunity to have access to the same information via the Internet that anyone else can. This is very important. The problem is not the Internet or its accessibility, it is how it can be used. Make sure your children are aware of the dangers that exist to minimize the possibility of being victimized.
Chat and Social Networks
Online chats and social networking sites are very popular among children and teenagers. The days of rushing home from school only to immediately grab the phone and call your best friend are over. Now the kids run home and connect to their satellite internet right away. With the chat you can talk with many friends at the same time. This sounds like a great idea and it can be, as long as it is not abused. Make sure your kids are careful who they interact with online. Unfortunately, strangers have access to your children on chat programs and social networking sites just like your friends. Have your kids use the privacy features these programs have and only give their information to friends and family. There are ways to prevent all of your information from being displayed on social networking sites except to your friends. Also advise them to be careful about the type of information they give out on the web. You can never be 100% sure who’s on the other end, and even doing something that seems as innocuous as giving a friend your home address can be a dangerous move.
Keeping an open line of communication with our children is the most important thing when it comes to their safety. If something goes wrong, she wants to know that your son feels like she can talk to you about it.