We can’t deny it, though some may still try, the internet is a fact of life. Shielding our children from that scary place known as the World Wide Web is not only impractical in 2011, it is impossible. Embrace the unknown. Enjoy the adventure. But be prepared, pack the proper tools and educate yourself and your children/students for a safe and wondrous journey….after all, would you go backpacking in Tibet without a little preplanning and research?
I think the ‘gradual release of responsibility’ is a key factor to internet safety with our children. Researchers and experts tell us to keep the computer in a public place in the home and monitor our children’s internet usage (Internet Savvy Parenting Keeps Children Safe. Meghan Howard. 2005: Spinning Your Web Consulting Services Ltd.). Monitoring is only the first step in the process and realistic only for the younger children. We must remember that we will not, and cannot, always be looking over their shoulders. It is important to teach as well as monitor: Education over Limitation.
It is important to build trust and respect with our children/students in regards to internet usage. We need to provide rules, such as not giving out personal information online, and to explain why it is not a good idea. It is important to remind them never to arrange meetings with people they have met online and to remember that ‘Not everyone is as nice, cute and funny as they may sound online.” (Internet Safety Tips for Teens. www.opp.ca). And we must start teaching and modelling these rules as soon as we start letting our kids use the internet. How do you plan to explain meeting your new boyfriend online when you tell your kids never to arrange face to face meetings with someone they met online?
Then, as our children show us they are following the rules and are being responsible, we must trust them. If we are open, honest and respectful, hopefully they will demonstrate the same character traits. They will be willing to tell us if someone says something online that is unpleasant or even threatening. If a search turns up something inappropriate they will inform their teacher or simply ignore it (rather that making sure everyone in the class knows how to find that photo online). They will be respectful of internet safety even when there is not an adult looking over their shoulders.
The internet is everywhere: computers at home, school and at almost every friend’s house, online games, cell phones. Learn and then teach your children how to install privacy settings and security software and why they are important. Be aware that internet filters and monitoring programs can be disabled so it just might be better to teach your student where they should and shouldn’t travel on the internet rather than trying to prevent access to certain sites. Prepare them for the journey.
It is difficult to teach our children about internet safety when they know more about computers and navigating online than we do….but we can’t shelter and protect them forever…trying to deny access is not the answer. The internet is here and now and part of their lives. As parents and educators, I feel we must become internet aware and help our children/students be the same. As they show they are being responsible they will earn more freedom and have us looking over their shoulders less and less. We can’t realistically monitor all internet usage….keeping the computer in a public space in the house no longer applies when an individual can carry the web around in their pocket on a cell phone. I believe it is not a case of being the internet police, but providing the knowledge and tools for the safe and fascinating journeys the internet can provide… not being web-phobic but being web aware.
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