So, what is a father to do? How can you help your children stay safe on the Web while still enjoying the positives that the Internet has to offer?
General Safety Rules
Limit time spent surfing the Web or interacting electronically. Spending too much time on the Internet or just surfing curiously can create some real problems. Time limits should be agreed to by parents and kids and then kept. Certainly, time idly spent on the web should be limited to make sure homework, chores and other responsibilities are met.Keep the computer public. One good safety rule is to keep the computer in a family room or other very public place in your home and situate it so the screen is visible to anyone walking by. This can be an important deterrent to surfing to inappropriate sites. And it also allows mom and dad to simply drop by the computer for a chat about what is onscreen.
Only use the Internet when parents are home. Consider a rule that allows the computer to be online only when there is a parent around. Being on the Web when home alone has its own risks for children.
Never share personal information. Many websites, chat rooms, discussion forums and the like request information such as addresses, phone numbers, pictures, birthdays, schools, hobbies, pet’s names and so forth. Sharing this kind of information can be dangerous and should be avoided.
Log off if you are uncomfortable. If anything happens during an online session that feels threatening, suggestive or harassing, children should log off immediately. The longer they hang on, the greater the likelihood of problems in the future.
Parents should be computer savvy. If your kids are going to be online, be there with them when possible. Have them educate you if necessary. The online experience should be one that can be shared between parents and kids.
Take a pledge. Consider putting your family Internet rules in writing and monitor compliance. Post them conspicuously near the computer and keep the commitment to follow the pledge.
