he internet is the most amazing resource imaginable.  But as I tell my classes, for all technology there is a good side and a bad side.  There is good information and bad information, as well as, accurate and inaccurate information online.  What is a parent to do?  Well, there are ways to limit access and there are conversations that will help kids understand what is out there. 

• Filters restrict certain sites.
• Most ISPs (those are the companies you pay for internet access, like Verizon, Comcast, etc.) offer some filters.
• You can also buy filtering software.  If you search online for parental controls you will find a lot of information.  PCmag.com, for example, has a great article with lots of information on the different packages out there including rating them and giving the price.

• Talking points-
• Encourage your child to discuss anything with you that makes him or her feel uncomfortable. It may be something a friend says, a site or picture he/she runs into or a stranger that is bothering him or her.
• Explain that they should be even MORE leery of talking to strangers online than in person because they can’t even get visual cues to tell them if the person is being honest.  If, as they get older, they really feel strongly about meeting someone they don’t know, find out as much as you can and try to arrange a meeting in public with you by their side. 
• Go online with your child and see who they are talking to. 
• Start with a lot of supervision and transparency and gradually, as you feel they earn trust, give them more freedom.

• Monitoring and Monitory Software will be the topic of the next few articles.

Rules for Internet Use

he next big question is; what rules should you have for internet use beyond the screen time limit. Here is one possible list. It is a jumping off place for you to determine what you want you child to do. 

Always ask your parents' permission before:

            Using your full name, address, telephone number or school name anywhere on the Internet.

            Giving out a credit card number or password online

            Send out your picture

             Accept a gift or an offer

Always tell your parents or guardian if you see something online that you know is wrong or that makes you feel uncomfortable. 

 Don't respond to messages that make you feel uncomfortable or uneasy.

  Talk to your parents to set up rules for going online. Decide with them the best time of day to be online, the length of time to be online and appropriate areas to visit.

At the middle school level, depending on the child, you may feel they are capable of handling online friends.  If that is the case, the following rules may be appropriate.  If you feel your child needs more maturity before taking on that risk, you may want to simply say, only talk to your real life friends when you are online. 

Never  meet someone you've met online in person unless you discuss it with your parents and an adult goes with you.

Make sure that you are dealing with someone that you and your parents know and trust before giving out any personal information about yourself.