Internet is an inexhaustible source of information for adults, children and teenagers. Children often use it to communicate with peers, look for information for schoolwork, play games, watch movies, listen to music or even shop online.
Although it is an extremely useful tool for everyone, the internet also harbours many risks, which parents are called upon to inform and protect their underage users. The dangers of internet use include addiction, cyberbullying and child pornography. Young people often misuse the internet, leading to lack of time for other activities and isolation. Cyberbullying also occurs with the development of technology and involves sending offensive messages, posting photos or creating groups that target specific individuals. In addition, the distribution of child pornography has become rampant and child Internet users are often the targets of online sexual harassment. Other risks that parents should be aware of include children’s access to inappropriate material, online scams, theft of personal data and the protection of computers against viruses and hackers.
Advice on how to deal with the risks:
- Place the computer in a common room of the house so that you can sit with your child when he or she is connected to the internet.
- Install software to filter and block inappropriate websites.
- Educate children about what is allowed and prohibited in relation to the internet. For example, stress that they cannot copy or install anything from the internet without parental approval first. It is also important to know that they cannot take any action that costs money without informing their parents.
- Draw up an internet use “contract” with the children, including rules appropriate to each child’s age. This contract should state the length of time they can browse the internet and the websites they can visit and should always be kept next to the computer in a prominent place.
- Point out to children that they should not disclose personal information or share passwords with anyone other than their parents.
- Talk to children about the dangers of the internet. It is important for them to know that they should not talk, send photos or agree to meet people they have met online.
- Ask children to contact you whenever something makes them feel uncomfortable, for example, an offensive email.
- Emphasize the need to immediately stop communicating with people who ask for personal information or seek conversations with sexual innuendo.
- Educate older children about the free nature of the internet and guide them to engage with its content in a critical way.