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 Monitoring your child's internet usage is part of being a good parent. Here are some resources to ensure that your children stay safe online.
The most important thing you can do as a parent is to educate yourself about the risks to your child online. Children today often know more about how to use the internet than their parents, but that doesn't excuse their parents from being proactive about internet security.
There are a number of international websites devoted to helping parents keep their children safe from cyberpredators, cyberbullying, or simply being exposed to unwanted material online. Some of the major ones include NetSmartz.org, GetNetWise.org, SafeKids.com, and WiredSafety.org.
Here are some quick tips to get you started.
- Keep the computer in a common room, so that your child cannot hide his/her internet activities.
- Install a filter to keep your children from inadvertently coming across unwanted sites. Often, children can come across pornographic sites without meaning to, simply by clicking on an interesting link. A good filter prevents this from happening.
- Monitor your child's internet usage. Require your child to ask permission before becoming a member of any website, and make sure you know what the website is before you agree. You may also feel it's important to know what your child's password is, so that you can check the account yourself if you're suspicious that something is going on.
- Communicate. Have a talk to your child about the importance of never giving out private information, like your address or telephone number, online. Strangers online can be just as dangerous as strangers on the street, so talk with your child about the importance of only communicating with people that he or she knows in the "real world." Make sure your child understands what spam is, why he or she should ignore emails from unknown senders, and the danger of clicking on unknown links or unknown attachments - unless they come from a safe sender. Most importantly, encourage your child to come to
you if anything is happening online that they don't understand or feel comfortable with.
For more tips, advice, and guides, check out the following internet safety resources for children and parents in New Zealand:
For Parents
Child Safety Online - Guidelines for Parents, Rules for Online Safety, and More
by the Department of Internal Affairs
A Parent's Guide to Cybersafety
by Netsafe.org.nz
Cyberbullying: Information for Young People and Parents
by Netsafe.org.nz
For Kids
Hector's World - Activities and Games for Children
by Netsafe.org.nz
Cyberkidz Teaches Kids about Safety
by ECPAT New Zealand
More Links
The NZ Department of Internal Affairs provides a wealth of internet safety resources, including interactive website for kids, on their website. Click here for more information.
If you know of a website or article that has helped you keep your child safe online, please contact us. |
