Dear Ronnie,
With school back in full swing, most kids are spending time after school doing homework. Some of the homework may require the use of a computer and the Internet. Although the Internet is a great resource, it must be used with caution. Dr. Charles Fay explains…
Good Kids Can Get in Trouble on the Web Too!
Plenty of adults have a hard time resisting the plethora of temptations provided by the Internet. You probably know one of these adults…or know their spouse, coworker, or boss. Many of them are bright and even well educated, but they’ve still fallen prey to online gambling, dating, pornography, shopping, etc.
If adults are struggling so much with these issues, don’t for a minute believe that your kids won’t too…even if they are “good” kids.
Many great and responsible young people have made mistakes that have got them into massive trouble on the Internet. That’s why it’s wise to never let your guard down when it comes to the sorts of things your youngsters are accessing. Listed below are some quick tips for keeping your kids…and yourself…safe:
Don’t allow them to have computers in their rooms.
Regard the Internet as a very useful yet dangerous tool. Teach your kids that it’s very similar to a chainsaw: useful in well–trained and mature hands…yet deadly in careless ones.
Remember that it’s your job as a parent to invade your kids’ privacy. If you don’t know what they are doing on the Web, you aren’t doing your job.
Remember that Love and Logic believes that kids should be allowed to make affordable mistakes. Chatting with pedophiles or ogling porn sites are NOT one of these.
For additional ideas on this topic, see our book, Love and Logic Magic: When Kids Leave You Speechless.
Thanks for reading!
Dr. Charles Fay