Children's Internet Usage
by Jan Sopshier

Recently, a local 13-year-old boy from my hometown traveled with a 25-year-old man he met on the Internet to a city close by. To say parents need to worry about what their children are doing online is an understatement. We, as parents, need to show a genuine interest about our child's online activities.

Before parents can monitor their child's internet activities, they need to educate themselves about basic online activities. This article is not about educating parents, it's about what precautions parents need to take to ensure their child's safety.

Safety precautions include:

• Children need to use the Internet in a family setting such as the living room or den... never in their bedroom.

• Always take an interest in your child's online activities. Encourage them to discuss anything which surprises or disturbs them.

• Warn children against providing Internet buddies with any person information. This includes telephone number, home address, or name of school they attend.

• Never allow children to send a person their picture or anything else without first consulting with their parents.

Children need to realize that everyone they meet online is a stranger . . . They may not be who they say they are. We need to encourage our children to let us know as soon as possible about any uncomfortable, threatening, or harassing situation they encounter online. But never criticize your child for getting into the situation, but praise them for having told you immediately.

Fortunately, the local 13-year-old boy was returned to his family safely after law-enforcement officers located him . . . Yet, this incident could have taken a turn for the worse, becoming a real tragedy for the family.

Remember to monitor your child's internet activities!