Presents
PARENTING IN THE DIGITAL AGE
A computer connected to the Internet is a powerful tool. It pipes countless resources
right into our homes, and it puts anyone with even rudimentary skills within a few clicks
of reading, viewing, or listening to anything from anywhere.
We can teach our kids online safety and we can keep close tabs to continue the
training. Both approaches are valid, and both are very necessary.
With that in mind, we’re sharing 9 Internet Rules for Your Kids. They’re neither
exhaustive nor foolproof, but they are great for getting the ball rolling and helping All
Pro Dads take a serious look at what’s going on with our kids in cyberspace..
Be An Example
Research still affirms that parents are
their kids’ #1 role model. So be a great
example when it comes to technology.
Do you check Facebook and Twitter at
every stoplight? Do you let your phone
monopolize time you could be
interacting with the kids? Could they look
at your screen history and know you
practice what you preach?
Set Guidelines
Make sure your children know what they
can and cannot view online. Chat rooms
are usually never a good idea. Also,
there is no circumstance where it is
appropriate for a child to share personal
information online. That includes
address, phone number, or the school
they attend. Contests are appealing—the
promise of prizes gets our guard down
(remember that new laptop YOU thought
you were getting?). Make sure they run
these things by you, every time.
The Computer Stays
in a Public Place
1
2
3
4
5
“Out of sight, out of mind” was never
truer. Everything that happens online
needs to be out in the open, period.
Limit access to the kitchen or the family
room. This helps your children to
recognize you’re watching what they
do onine.
6
Be The Boss
7
Remain consistent and clear about
guidelines, but don’t scare your
children into keeping information from
you. Make it clear that no online
messages are ever private, and that all
browsing history can be checked. No
exceptions. Use an Internet filter. Then
make sure you and mom are the only
ones with the passwords. But
remember, no filter is perfect. Think
“redundant security systems”…a filter is
just one piece of the protection puzzle.
Understand
Cyber-Bullying
Cyber-bullying is the use of
technology to harass, threaten,
embarrass, or target another person.
By definition, cyber-bullying occurs
among young people. When an adult
is involved, it may meet the definition
of cyber-harassment or cyberstalking. That’s a crime that can have
legal consequences and even
involve jail time.
8
9
Understand Online
Reputation
Online reputation is a 21st-century
reality. It’s a footprint that will follow our
children the rest of their lives. This fact
needs to be part of the ongoing
conversation. Social media is the most
popular online destination and whether
it’s getting into college or getting a job,
our footprint will affect it. The standard
for how to engage with social media
and what kids share has to be high.
Create rules for your children. Block
all social media until you’re sure you
and your kids are “on the same page.”
Try some role-playing to practice
acceptable responses to these
situations.
Keep Communication
Open
Make this very clear. If your child is not
sure about something online, he should
always run it through you first. Open
communication is a must. If the kids
ever feel even a little bit uncomfortable
online, then it’s important to make sure
mom and dad know about it. Then, dad
or mom, don’t yell at them for telling
you. Encourage open communication
within the family. It’s like reaching out to
hold a hand in a busy mall.
Monitor Cell
Phones Too
Remember that a cell phone is a
computer too. A Pew Research
Center’s Internet and American Life
Project noted that 78% of teens aged
12-17 have cell phones and more than
half of those are smart phones. They’re
using these phones to go online more
often than their parents do. It’s tough to
monitor these devices because they’re
so portable, so we encourage parents
to check out filtering software specific
to phones. Remember, safety is a
two-pronged initiative. “We can teach
our kids online safety and we can keep
close tabs to continue the training. Both
approaches are valid, and both are
very necessary.”
Make Consequences
for Misuse Stick
Be clear on the consequence for
misuse of the Internet privilege. Don’t
make the punishment exceed the
crime, but ALWAYS follow through
with 100% consistency. Clear rules,
consistently applied, equal results.
Use our Family Internet Contract with
your kids as a great start.