TIDBIT... How To Protect Your Kids Online Here’s a how-to class on keeping your kids safe online. Experts point out that the amount of time kids spend online tripled in the past decade. And half of kids under age 8 use smartphones and iPads. So, here’s how to help them stay safer online: - First: Hang out in their world. In other words, if your child has accounts for Twitter and Facebook, get your own accounts. That way, you’ll be able to see what they’re doing. Nearly 40-percent of parents have never seen their kid’s online profile. - Another way to protect your kids online: Use the “walk by” rule. In other words, tell them, if they cover the screen, close a window, or close their laptop when you walk by, you’re going to pull the plug, end of argument. But 25-percent of kids use the Internet in their bedroom, where parents can’t see, and text after lights out. So, set up a “collect and drop” basket away from their bedroom, where your kids have to drop their cell phones, iPads or laptops every night. - Also: 95-percent of parents don’t know the kid-slang that warns friends when parents are in the room. So, learn them! For example, “P I-R” means “parent in room.” “P-A-W” means “parents are watching.” “K.P.C.” means “keeping parents clueless.” Want to learn more? Go to NetLingo. - Finally: Explain that you’ll be randomly monitoring their online behavior. Remind them that you’re responsible for their safety and wellbeing, and what they post online represents your family. Studies find that when parents set clear Internet rules, kids are more likely to follow them. And when kids know their parents are watching, they’re less likely to engage in risky behavior.
Posted on: Tue, 25 Jun 2013 19:04:19 +0000
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