Parenting Tips – Kids and the Internet

Kids today have a different perception of the computer and the internet.  Children in elementary school are being taught how to use a computer.  Some school reports require internet sources.  Teaching your children about the internet and setting some rules will help keep them safer.

First, help your children understand that seeing something on the internet doesn’t make it real.  Friends that they meet might not really be children.  Help them to understand how the internet makes everyone anonymous.  Anyone can create a web site and make their information appear as fact.

Help them set up an email account that you can control.  Limit the emails they send out, make sure that you know the friends that they know.  Set up an email filter so that unwanted email isn’t viewable to them.  Decide on rules regarding registering for things on web sites, you may not want them doing this.

Set a limit on computer time.  Experts advise that children have no more than two hours of television, electronic games, or computer use in a day.  Monitor their time on the computer to try to keep within these guidelines.

Show them how to search for things they are looking for.  There are several great search engines for kids.  Some popular search engines that cater to children include www.yahooligans.com and www.ajkids.com.  If you allow them to search for information through a search engine, monitor their web browsing to make sure they don’t end up where you don’t want them.

The internet can be a great tool for children, and provided a wealth of information, games, and other fun activities.  Monitor their computer time, and watch where they are surfing.  Always make sure that your kids are following safety rules when on the internet.

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About the Author

Mike Sipes is the owner and operator of My New Daycare .com. He started My New Daycare .com several years ago when searching for daycare for his young children. After looking for resources on the Internet regarding daycares, he quickly became frustrated with the lack of quality information. He used his years of web development and SEO skills to create My New Daycare .com, and now, years later, it's one of the top daycare related websites on the Internet.