Every month we do a parents gathering to help resource parents.
This week we did a hard topic of internet safety.
Three of us taught this week.
from left to right.aaron, yours truly & travis
Why do we need to have this talk?
TVs are filtered.
Radios are filtered.
Internet is not filtered.
You wouldn’t buy Showtime, Cinemax, HBO, and Playboy for your house, and put a tv in your kids room, and give them the remote and let them watch whatever they want.
But that is what we are doing with the internet.
Also tv is one directional. The tv to you.
The internet is bi-directional. The internet to you, and you back to the internet.
What are kids doing online?
(6-11yrs) games, homework, music
(teens) social networks, videos
Establish guidelines
- Have the computer in an area where everyone can see the screen
- Limit the amount of time on the computer
- Be involved with your child/teens online
Internet Filters
net nanny – $39
k9 webprotection – free
x3 watch – free
Other resources
Net Smartz Kids – teaching your kids about the internet
Safe Kids – multiple pages on internet safety
Realize your child’s or teen’s future success with include technology.
Create with your child or teen. Post artwork, photos, videos with your child or teen.
No related posts.
one more resource:
http://www.kidzui.com/
It’s for elementary age and under.
BTW: we look like a real panel up there!
I like the idea of filters for younger children…it’s very easy for kids to stumble upon porn. Just a simple image search will do it.
Both of my kids are in high school now, and we no longer use a filter–we use the x3watch software. It’s not a filter; it just records questionable websites that are visited.
Filters and trackers are both very good ideas. I think the most important thing to do is be involved with what your kids are doing. If their chatting with others on-line, make it your business to know who their talking with.
We also have a policy about leaving the history on for Yahoo & MSN messenger.
Another resource for parents and even adults for filtering is pay the $40 a year to the AFA and get their filter. It’s really tough and is an online one that you can get. Had it on the all the office computers at a church I served on staff at.
If you want a good tracker, it’s not free but good, try covenant eyes. It’s pretty tough too. You check out the “More Pics” pages on MySpace or Facebook and you get reported to your accountability partner. Keeps you honest if you keep it on.