Several years ago I taught basic Internet skills as a volunteer at a local library. In almost every class, there was a parent who wanted to know how to keep her child from accessing inappropriate materials. My answer was always that the best way to protect children is to put the computer in a public place in the house and be aware of what your children are doing online. The follow-up question was almost always, “but what about filtering software?” Yes, there is software that can filter material, but it’s not always effective, can often be bypassed (by your child or a friend), and doesn’t address the actual issue: letting your child know what’s inappropriate.
Of course, in the years since I volunteered, filtering software has mproved, but it is not, and never will be, a replacement for being involved in your child’s online activities. However, I’ll admit that they can be part of an overall strategy. But I still believe that the best thing you can do is be aware of what your child is doing online. But what does that mean? Take a look at this list of ideas to help supervise your children online at Cool Cat Teacher Blog. A lot of the items are common sense, but it’s useful to have the list as a reminder.
I also recommend taking a look at NetSmartz.org, a website created by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. And if your child is using MySpace, you might want to take a look at Decoding MySpace from the September 18, 2006 issue of USNews & World Report.
Have other ideas that you’d like to share? Post them in the comments section or to the SNHParents Kids and Computers message board.