Internet Safety – Tips for Protecting Grandchildren From Harm
An area of particular concern today is safety on the Internet. Sending emails and instant messages along with surfing the web and participating on social media sites such as MySpace, have been a way of life for many children and teenagers. Unfortunately, children are subject to the lure of Internet predators and are at great risk of falling into their trap.
Internet safety is a concern that is new to this day and age, and one that was non-existent when parents were raising their children 25 or more years ago. As grandparents raising grandchildren, there are several strategies you can implement to help keep your grandchildren safe from on-line predators:
- Ask your grandchildren quetions about their Internet activity and engage them in conversation about the dangers. Emphasize that people of whom they cannot see, are not always who they appear to be.
- Keep computers in a location where you can monitor what they are doing. When computers are visible, children are less likely to access sites they shouldn’t. Follow up by checking your grandchildren’s Internet history.
- Put time limits on their Internet use, just like television. When there are restrictions on time, children are less likely to get involved in conversations with strangers.
- Educate your grandchildren on the importance of never sharing their name, address, phone number, age or even the name of their school.
- Filter your grandchildren’s Internet use and/or invest in child Internet protection software. These software programs allow you to set time limits on activity, monitor chat lines, filters & blocks websites, and alerts you of potential predators.
- Go to the website Enough is Enough and view statistics on Internet safety and download the document, “Rules ‘N Tools Checklist” for an in-depth list of Internet safety guidelines.
Next Wednesday, January 20th at 1pm Eastern, I invite you to my radio talk show program on TalkShoe where I will be interviewing Kindergarten Teacher, Adrianna Kruse. Adrianna is the author of Little Red Hoodie
Until then, Have a Grand Day!
Warm regards,
Kay L. Fontana
“The Grandcoach”
