Both adults and young people think of the computer as a source of accurate and reliable information. The increasing number of free online services and access to the Internet has added a new dimension to the use of internet.
Most of connection services provided to children resources such as encyclopedia, news, access to libraries and other valuable materials. They can use the computer to communicate with their friends and play games. The ability to go from one place to another with a single “click” of the computer attracts him to the impulsiveness, curiosity and the need for immediate gratification or feedback that the child has.
Risks and problems
- Easy access for children to areas that are not appropriate or are overwhelming.
- Information “in line” that promotes hatred, violence and pornography.
- Intensive classified ads that are deceptive and bombard the child with harmful ideas.
- Invitation for children to register to win prizes or to join a club that requires providing personal or household information to unknown sources.
- The time spent at the computer is a time lost for the development of the social skills.
To how to keep your child safe to have “online” experiences and educational, parents should:
- Limit the time that the children go “online” and browsing on the Internet.
- Teach children to talk to “screen names” in a “conversation room” is the same as talk to strangers or unknown.
- Teach your child never to give personal information that identifies another person or “site” on the Internet.
- Never give your child the number of your credit card or any other password that can be used to buy things online or to access services or inappropriate “sites”.
- Teach your child that they should never go to meet in person someone whom they met online.
- Remind him that everything you see or read “online” is not true.
- Use the procedures for monitoring their online connection service using parental control software and get one of the commercially available programs that allow parents to restrict access to chat rooms, newsgroups and other unsuitable sites.
Parents should be aware that “online” communications does not prepare the child for real relationships. If you initially dedicate time to help your child explores connection services and if you participate regularly with him while using Internet, you will have the opportunity to monitor and guide your child’s computer use.