For Parents Tips
Read these 11 For Parents Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Kids Online tips and hundreds of other topics.
More Questions about the Net?
If you have questions about the internet that aren't answered on this site, try visiting my forum. You can post your question and I will answer, or other visitors might step in to help. My forum is located here:
KidsOnline Forum
Homepage Safety
If your child has a skill, let him create a web page to share it. Not only does this help him to learn to edit his work now that he is being read, but it gives him a sense of accomplishment. Pick a kid-friendly site (you will have to register in your name if he is under 13) and use an email address on the site that can be monitored. Check the guest book for inappropriate entries. (Be sure the guest book can be edited.)
Kids Love Email
Kids love to get email, even if it's junk mail. When you find an email newsletter like this one, sign your children up. Also send them email periodically. "Thanks for cleaning your room." emails go over well. Try sending them email cards.
Get Offline!
Keep a child from becoming overly attached to mindless playing on the Internet. Find sites that tell him how to work off-line as well as online, such as sites that offer crafts, science experiments, and active game suggestions.
Protecting a Child's Identity
Show your children how easy it is to find someone with a limited number of clues. In the course of several chats, a child might mention his state, town, school, team or clubs, and times he's alone at home or returning from activities. They need to understand that they do not know who they are talking to, even if they are given a picture. Pictures and information can be faked, and the person they are talking to could be a criminal who will track them down.
Don't Unsubscribe to Junk Mail
If your child receives inappropriate email that he didn't request, don't unsubscribe. This just tells the site manager that the address is valid. Instead, find out how to block sender on the address. This will keep your child from receiving the email.
Surf With Your Kids
When children begin surfing, they need safe starting places. Surf with your child to help them find good places to go. Regular search engines are not safe, so show them where they are allowed to surf. Help them learn to identify a safe site.
Using a Personal Web Page for Safe Surfing
If you have a web page, or you have helped your child create one, put all his favorite sites, as well as others you have approved, on the site. Not only does it help other parents, but you can require your child to surf only from this page.
Start a Favorites File
Start a favorites or bookmarks file for your younger child. Only let him surf from that file. If he wants more sites, you should locate them for him.
Newsletters and Kids
Children love to get mail-even junk mail-so newsletters can be a fun way to increase their mail. However, parents should subscribe to the newsletter as well, to monitor what the child is receiving. Instruct your child not to click on any links until you have looked at them. (My newsletter would be an excellent choice!)
Internet Safety
Keep the computer used for the internet in the living room or family room. It may not be the prettiest room accessory, but your children should know you will be checking on their online activities without warning. Never let children or teens surf alone.
| Guru Spotlight |
| Phyllis Serbes |
