As a parent to growing kids, I found this helpful tips from Trend Micro on how to ensure the online safety of kids. Let’s admit it, kids are quite fond of social networks (more than their parents). My generation grew up watching television. Today, kids have the Internet and online social networks — not to mention online games. So it’s best that we parents should also understand how social networks work, for instance, so we could guide them.
Here’s one good example from Trend Micro’s website, which I think is very important:
Set reasonable expectations. Pulling the plug on your child’s favorite social site is like pulling the plug on their social life. This can shut down communication and send kids “underground” where they’re more at risk.
Here’s another one:
Try to get your kids to share their profiles and blogs with you. Also, use search engines and the search tools on social networking sites to search for your kids’ full names, phone numbers, and other identifying information. You’re not invading their privacy if they’re putting personal info in public places online.
Do you have any other practical tips you wish to share?
December 31st, 2008 at 3:08 pm
we are talking here of virtual social development at the expense of kids real social development that comes only with physical interaction with real people.How many kids become sulky and loner and would rather sit and socialize on their PC than with his/her fellow kids.Besides i am I afraid we miss the unhealthy side of having kids exposed to the computers longer. Try to check if your kids are having vision problem(myopia). Ill tell you an hour of staring that monitor (crt or lcd) over a period of time causes it .
Merry Christmas
November 29th, 2008 at 11:06 am
Teenagers Might Benefit From Spending Time Online
EndDuchenne.Org
A large study of online use has revealed that surfing the internet, playing games and hanging out on social networks are important for teen development, countering the stereotypical view held by many parents and teachers that such activity is a waste of time.
The study took place over a three-year span and involved 800 teenagers and parents in the United States.
“They are learning the technological skills and literacy needed for the contemporary world,” said Dr. Mimi Ito, the author of the report.
Read more at http://tutoring.multiply.com/journal/item/5
September 29th, 2008 at 3:45 am
[...] - bookmarked by 5 members originally found by ferlachat on 2008-09-18 Tips on protecting kids online http://blogs.inquirer.net/blogaddicts/2008/08/24/tips-on-protectings-kids-online/ - bookmarked by [...]
August 24th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
I created my daughter’s multiply account because most of her friends and classmates have their own accounts. It’s a good way to socialize and express herself but on the condition that I have access to her account. That way, I can monitor her posts and the posts of people in her network. I also tell her not to add people that she doesn’t know personally to her contacts list. I also use the medialocker which means that people who are not her contacts cannot view the contents of her site.
August 24th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
I don’t have kids, but I’ve got cousins under 12 who love browsing the net. I think keeping open communication lines w/ kids is a good way. Let them know up front what dangers lurk out there - even if they may not believe it at first - is one thing I’d do. Tell them that even if they think you can’t see what sites they visit, you can find out. Also, practice what you preach! Kids will most likely listen to your warnings if you heed them yourself, right? Restricting them isn’t something you have to do, but just let them know there’s the good & bad way to using the net may help.