For all the reasons we love technology, the Internet and social networking there are just as many reasons not to like it – especially when it comes to our kids!  Not only are kids more comfortable than most of their parents when it comes to using the web, many of them know more than their parents about settings, the popular sites and how to use them. So, as a parent what are you to do to ensure that while your kids are online that they are safe?

EDUCATION!

Yep, one word. Education.

Educate yourself and educate your kids. Set guidelines, expectations, boundaries and be prepared to monitor them. Its not a matter of privacy (as in being an invasion of theirs) – its a matter of doing your job as a parent.

We all grew up with McGruff the Safety Dog (remember he “took the bite out of crime”), well McGruff is still around – and he is educating parents and kids how to stay safe in the neighborhoods of today – the Internet and its Social Media hangouts. The McGruff site (especially the blog) has excellent tips for kids and parents – and its not just the common sense stuff – its the real information that we need to be hearing! Learn How to Protect Your Child’s Online Activity – Free Trial

iTwixie.com, my tween daughter’s new favorite site has a great article on keeping kids safe online, too, but with a twist. We know kids are more likely to take risks when in the presence of their friends – like at a slumber party. Their article gives girls tips and solid advice on staying safe while surfing with their friends. (Slumber-ific Sleepovers: How 2 Keep U & UR BFF Safe & Having Fun)

SafeKids.com is another source of good online safety information. Not only do they have a quiz for pre-teens on Internet safety, they also have contracts you can print out that help make sure kids and grown ups are aware of the house rules, safety guidelines and expectations for online use.

Two more sites I like include Don’t Believe the Type and ConnectSafely.org.

The Internet and Social Networking is here to stay. If used responsibly it can be a great way to stay in touch with family, friends, connect with people who share your same interests, and bring the world closer together. And a little bit of education can go a long way.

Posted on September 23rd, 2009 by Char
Filed under: Safety