Top tips for healthy internet usage

Parents are often bombarded with negative stories and imagery about the internet and it’s no wonder they are confused about how they should manage it in the home, if at all!

Firstly, the internet is a fantastic learning tool and provides many platforms for all of us to express ourselves.

It has allowed us to publish our own articles with ease through the many sites that allow anyone to create blogs (eg: www.blogger.com ), share our photos on sites like www.flickr.com and www.photobucket.com and connect with likeminded people on various social networking sites.

For those with a creative flair, there are sites allowing you to create 3D products, and a list can be found here: http://mashable.com/2008/07/10/tools-for-3d-creation/ .

So it is important not to take on board too much negativity you may here regarding internet usage. Rather take a realistic approach. Understand that there are concerns and dangers associated with open internet access for young ones. But understand the steps to take to allow children to harness the positive benefits of safe internet usage.

We’ve come up with 5 Top Tips for Internet Usage:

1. Install software that will filter out objectionable sites and also allow you to monitor internet usage. In doing so, you protect young ones from stumbling across objectionable material, while allowing the software to record where your older ones are visiting. In doing so, you will be able to see the results of what you have been discussing with them. Any concerns can be addressed quickly. A good free product can be found on the Norton site at https://onlinefamily.norton.com/ or an excellent paid product is PC Pandora, available here .

2. Set house rules for computer usage. This should not only cover time spent on the computer, but also rules for usage of mobile devices. Remember, all smart phones have an internet connection! Set rules so all mobile devices go into a bowl in the kitchen at bedtime.

3. Use positive sites that teach children internet safety in a positive way. See our previous article here .

4. Discuss internet concerns with your children build trusting relationships with them so they can speak to you about anything they see, read or hear on the internet that makes them feel uncomfortable.

5. Empower your children by asking them to show you how privacy settings work on social networking sites. Not only will you find out how much they know, they will be empowered by thinking they are teaching you!

The internet is a wonderful tool if used wisely. Think of it like a new city.  There are lots of great places to explore. But, like any city, there are some dark alleys that you want to stay away from. By familiarising yourselves with simple steps to take, you will be well on the way to teaching children healthy digital citizenship.