Safety Online – Online Safety For the Growing Generation
The World Wide Web brings many great privileges and advantages for people of all walks of life, especially youths. The online world rivals that of the TV world and acts as a great source for entertainment, leisure and communication. However the internet can be just as entertaining as it is dangerous, which is why it makes sense to make sure children and youths are using the internet responsibly.
Its a good idea to share with your children the dangers that are there are in any type of online sharing. As it becomes fun to share contacts, photos, and multimedia online, make them understand that it is not always safe to do so. Show them how to keep the emails and photographs safe by letting them know that they can put private settings on their profiles. Give them guidelines and let them know that when something is put online it becomes a public matter and could possibly ruin their reputation in the future.
Make sure they know that images can be juxtaposed to create a wrong impression of them to their friends or worse, online predators. Ensure that your child gets to know this as early as possible.
Teach your children about cyber bullying as well and let them know that any information is only to be shared with those people they can trust. Research shows that the number of students that went through cyber bullying is on the rise, and it may be a cause to the rising numbers of depression and even suicide.
Let younger children know that it is wise to report any person who mistreats them online and that you will not take their computer if they report a bully and instead will show them how to block the site or agressor all together.
Your children should know that passwords are only accessed by the owner of the account so make sure that your children are not giving or sharing passwords with anyone. If possible, have a specific computer for your childs websurfing. The cost of older models is very inexpensive these days, and a few hundred dollars will get you a computer powerful enough to surf the web.