|
|
|
 |
Learn about The Online Mom Network
|
|
Join The Online Mom Network
|
|
How Do I Become An Online Mom?
|
|
The Online Mom provides internet technology advice and information to help parents protect their kids, encourage responsible behavior and safely harness the power of technology in the new digital world. Social networking, photo sharing, video games, IM & texting, internet security, cyberbullying, educational resources, the latest on tech hardware, gadgets and software for kids 3-8, tweens and teens, and more.
|
|
|
Outside The Family Home
When your child is young, you can easily control what he or she watches or plays with. You control the remote, the mouse or the console.
But as children grow, their world expands too. They visit grandparents and other relatives; they go on play dates with schoolmates; they hang out with the neighbors down the block. All of a sudden, they're no longer under your watchful eye 24-7. How can you make sure they're not exposed to something you don't approve of?
This certainly is not a new dilemma. But with the limitless array of content accessible on computers or cable TV, the stakes are higher than having too much candy and staying up too late.
Start at home
If your child is old enough to visit friends, then you've probably instructed him what behavior is expected of him. In addition to minding parents and eating what's put in front of him, teach him also what TV channels he shouldn't watch. Teach him that home computer rules apply elsewhere: no surfing without an adult present; visit only your approved list of sites. Remind him that cell phones, MP3 players and other gadgets are not toys, and should be left alone.
Keep the lines of communication open. After play dates and sleepovers, ask what the kids did; if it includes TV or computers, ask what they saw. Praise her good choices; discuss the questionable ones. Encourage her to let you know if she saw or heard anything that made her uncomfortable - images, language, etc.
Branching out
Chances are you have some acquaintance with the parents of your child's friends. Chat them up about their family's media habits. What sites are children allowed to visit? Which channels and programs are they allowed to watch? What video games do they play? Share your child's limits: Let them know if you don't allow computer use without supervision; advise them of sites that you prefer, or sites or programs that are off-limits. Ask if they use filtering software on the computer, or parental controls on TV.
It's not a hard conversation to have with someone from your child's school or sports team; you already may feel you have some common ground. It may be more awkward with a neighbor, whom you might not know well. But you should let the parent know your standards anyway. Not getting the answers or reassurance you need? Encourage the kids to play at your house instead.
Harder still may be sharing your rules with someone even closer: family. We know that Grandma and Grandpa often treat the grandkids more liberally than parents do. But you can tactfully remind them of what the kids should or should not watch. Offer to program parental controls or install children's browsers, and give them a quick primer on how to use them.
Rules regarding children and technology can be trickier still in joint-custody families. It's beneficial for all when parents can agree on guidelines for computer use, TV and movie viewing and other media.
Be consistent
As with most parenting issues, consistency is key. Maintain consistent limits on technology at home, and it's easier for your child to stick to them away from home.
Permalink |
Print |
Email |
Share
|
|
|
|
|
|
