You have to remember kids will be kids. And adults have the responsibility to help protect and teach your children how to understand the world. It is really straightforward and simple, but how can some adults help their children when they are completely unaware of the threats and benefits of the Internet and social media networks?
New technology is born every day and the Internet is full of potentially good information. But it also has plenty of bad information and negative outcomes. One thing you have to remember is that technology and the Internet itself is not good or bad - it is how you wish to use it.
Today's craze for young children is Facebook and Twitter. Most parents don't even know that there child is using these social media networks. Both have a minimum age restriction which is 13 years old. And there are good reasons for that.
One of the most negative results from social media is 'cyber-bullying' where normally young children between the ages of 12 to 18 harm other people, in a deliberate, repeated or hostile manner.
Social media networking continues to rise amongst teenagers, making it all the more important to keep our kids safe. A recent study shows that 22 percent log on to the social sites more than 10 times a day and 75 percent own Internet-enabled smartphones.
The good stuff
o Improved communications via email, instant messaging, Internet phones and video
o Data storage and sharing across the world
o The potential of networking ideas and knowledge without boundaries
o The democratization of information
o The ability to learn more and more instantly
The bad stuff
o Internet crime such as online scams
o Misuse of information for negative results
o Character attacks and 'cyber-bullying', which is a big problem in The Bahamas
o Exploitation of children and child predators
Some tips
o Always monitor your child's Internet usage
o Create ground rules
o Ask your child for the password to their social media accounts and email. It is not for you to check, but the child knowing that you have it makes them aware of what they are doing and saying.
o Be a friend on your child's Facebook and Twitter account with full access.
o Don't allow your child who is under 13 to have a Facebook account. It is their rules and the law in the USA and most of the world.
o Use filtering software such as www.NetNanny.com, PureSight PC
o Keep the computer in a central location, not your kids' bedroom
o Tell your children NOT to fill in questionnaires and free giveaways
o Online Edge is a weekly feature aiming to improve how you interact with technology. For more information on this article, you can send an email to customerservice@bahamaslocal.com or call 676-2682
o Bahamaslocal.com is a user-friendly search engine with exclusive listings on businesses and community organizations in The Bahamas. It includes information pertaining to local business, news, classifieds, movie listings, TV movie listings, jobs and local events.
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