Responsible Internet and Television Usage for Children Stems From Informed Parents Who Get Involved

Internet and kids

Just as we tell our children to be wary of strangers they meet, we need to tell them to be wary of strangers on the Internet. Most people behave reasonably and decently online, but some are rude, mean or even criminal. Teach your children they should:

* Never give out personal information (including their name, home address, phone number, age, race, family income, school name or location, or friends’ names) or use a credit card online without your permission.

* Never share their password, even with friends.

* Never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they meet online unless you approve of the meeting and go with them to a public place.

* Never respond to messages that make them feel confused or uncomfortable. They should ignore the sender, end the communication, and tell you or another trusted adult right away.

* Never use bad language or send mean messages online.

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Here are some tips for dealing with children and television viewing from the U.S. Department of Education.

* Set limits. Know how many hours of television your children watch. Limit your children’s viewing to one to two hours a day. Watching television is often more habit than choice. Establish good viewing habits for your children. Suggest and participate with your children in alternative activities such as reading, sports, conversation, games and hobbies. Because children model their behavior after their parents’, consider your viewing habits: Set a good example. Eliminate some television viewing by setting a few basic rules, such as no television during meals, or before completing household tasks or homework.

* Plan. Encourage your children to plan their viewing by using a TV publication or newspaper listing rather than flipping channels. Help children decide which show to see and encourage them to watch a variety of programs appropriate for their level of understanding. The television should be turned on only for specific programs; it should be turned off when they are over.

* Participate. Know what your children watch on television. Watch with them and talk about the programs afterward. Explain situations that are confusing. Ask why any violent scenes occurred and how painful they were. Ask your child for ideas about ways the conflict could have been resolved without violence.

* Monitor. Encourage children to watch programs about characters who cooperate and care for each other. Such programs can influence children in positive ways by modeling desirable behavior and setting good examples.

* Analyze commercials. Children need your help to critically evaluate the validity of the many products advertised on television. Teach children to analyze commercials and recognize exaggerated claims. Point out that the makers of the products pay for advertising.

* Express your views. Call your local television station when you are offended or pleased by something on television. Stations, networks and sponsors are concerned about the effects of television viewing on children and are responsive to parents’ concerns.

Source: U.S. Department of Education