There are no regulations or controls on the material that is placed on the Internet, therefore many things on-line are not suitable for children and are cause for concern. Here are some examples.

• Adult information and graphic pictures/videos.

• People may pretend to be someone they are not. Is the other “child” on the chat line really who he says he is?

• A child may provide personal information to strangers or arrange to meet new friends they have made on the Internet without really knowing who they are.

• The Internet can become addictive.

Search engines on the Internet provide access to many sites. Some of these sites contain information and/or images that could be harmful to children even when they are searching for ordinary everyday topics.

Parental Concern

While there are over 3 million perfectly safe children's sites on the net, children can unexpectedly come across material of a sexual or violent nature. A child can quite innocently bring up sites that are not appropriate…

“Hooked”

Often children can become 'hooked' into the fast moving world of the Internet and the computer games they can access - and there are LOTS of games on the Internet! Excessive exposure to games can lead to a number of problems - such as poor eating habits, not mixing with others, poor communication, trouble with school work and paying attention in class.

Here are some signs to look out for are:

• becoming withdrawn or difficult

• eating their meals in front of the computer; staying up late to finish off a game; missing out on school, homework or other responsibilities

• becoming upset and irrational when asked to turn the computer off; becoming aggressive or withdrawn. cutting back on the time they are outside, being with friends, playing sports and doing other social activities

What You Can Do

Here are steps and precautions you should take to shield your child from online dangers and from becoming an online “addict”.

• Monitor what your child buys or obtains by looking at the classification labels on the packaging.

• Keep track of where the software is from - e.g. the Internet, friends, software pirates.

• Make together very clear rules in the home about switch on and off times.

Blocking Software

Blocking software:

• allows you to control the information that is accessed by children while on the Internet

• can block harmful violent material, sexually explicit material and chat lines

• is inexpensive and available from most computer suppliers or straight from the provider's sites.

While blocking software is an excellent idea for some age groups, it is not foolproof and some computer savvy children can still get around these programs. But be warned that blocking software does not take  the place of parental supervision.

9 Internet Safety Tips For Your Kids and Students

As children gain access to the internet, Internet safety issues increase. Cheaper internet charges and wireless accessibility means more children are the surfing the Net than ever.

Teachers, parents and adults have to be vigilant. Frequent interaction and discussions must be had with the child to ensure they are not conducting inappropriate online relationships that may develop with dangerous offline results.

1) Don't Trust the Computer

- Let your child know that the information on the computer is not always accurate. Teach them to check the facts with a parent, teacher, librarian, or other reliable resources.

2) Keep Personal Information off the Computer

- Teach your child never to reveal their name, address, phone number, age, or school over the Internet. If child has an email address, be sure it doesn't provide a clue to your child's identity, such as first or last name or birth date.

3) Be Skeptical

- If your child is allowed to participate in chat rooms, teach them that people often hide their true identities on the computer. Tell your child or children, never, ever agree to meet someone that he or she has met on the computer.

4) Open Access

- Computers should not be in the child's room or where there is no supervision. Place computers in a place, such as the living room or family room where you can casually monitor them while they are surfing or chatting. It is always good to monitor what your child is playing, watching, or is listening to on the computer.

5) Beware of Free Stuff

- Children love to participate in online surveys, especially if there is a gift involved. Tell your child never to complete such surveys, buy products online, or give a credit card number on the computer without first obtaining parental approval; because not only do marketers use it, but child predators may also access such information.

6) Unwelcome emails

- Adults and children alike may receive unwanted or inappropriate email or instant messages. Teach your child not to respond in cases when the sender is unknown to them, advise them to log off and inform an adult if something upsets them.

7) Appropriate Computer language

- Teach your child or children that profane or vulgar language s unacceptable; even if it comes from someone they think they know. Insist that the child inform an adult.

8) Set time limits

- A child may want to spend hours on the computer, however, except for special circumstances such as doing research for school assignments, this should be unacceptable. Be sure that children also have time to socialize, play or simply, read.

9) Filter Access

- Always use a computer Internet filter to restrict children's access to certain sites. Contact your service provider for protective devices .

Children and Internet Safety Software Filter

TECHNOKids understands your safety and privacy concerns. They include a document entitled, "Acceptable Use Policy", which is sent home to parents whenever Internet based projects are used.

For any adult who needs to monitor, restrict or control their computers' access to the Internet, Net Nanny is the world's leading parental control and content filtering solution software for Internet safety for kids. They even offer a free trial. I highly recommended it. 

Net Nanny's Chat Monitor

records, monitors, filters, blocks, and schedules chat and instant messaging. If you're not watching--who is?

When you have ensured the Internet safety of your children and students follow through with the right project-based curriculum . You must check out...

TECHNOKids

TECHNOKids is the leading publisher of computer curriculum for computer kids, using a project-based approach to teach computing skills to children aged 5-17. The curriculum is divided into six categories: Primary, Junior, Intermediate, Senior, Camp, and Teacher/Adult.

And, you absolutely must check out the rest of this site for information you need about: software, computer camp, computers and furniture for kids, and  computer lessons.

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