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Technology has presented our children with more opportunities than we
ever imagined, but with these privileges come vague boundaries when it
comes to the internet.
“There are many roads that lead to cyberspace,” says John Cowden, MD,
pediatrician at Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics. “Kids can
connect to online users using their computers, cell phones, ipods or
gaming systems and visit social networking sites or chat rooms.”
Dr. Cowden says it’s important for kids to understand that there is no
such thing as privacy in cyberspace.
“When kids become members of websites or chat rooms, “cookies” allow a
peek into their home computers,” Dr. Cowden says. “That information can
be used by strategic marketers to predators, even resulting in
offensive spam. Kids are trusting. The internet is great place to
pretend you are someone you are not.”
Dr. Cowden recommends that parents put limits on kids visiting social
networking sites and internet chat rooms. When they do, use it to
communicate with their friends and not to make friends with people they
don’t know.
“Let them know if they ever feel scared or uncomfortable, they can talk
to you or another trusted adult,” Dr. Cowden says. “Tell them not to
respond to people you don’t know or who make you feel uncomfortable.”
Dr. Cowden offers a few tips to help keep kids safe in cyberspace:
- Cyber bullying happens when words are used to threaten,
belittle or damage someone’s reputation and can have legal
consequences. Kids should also be reminded that their words are made
public when they respond on websites and chat rooms. Remind them to
never say anything that you wouldn’t say face-to-face or that would
damage friendships or their future college or job interviews.
- Keep Current with technology. Get basic technical training and
learn about new products as they're released.
- Keep Communicating with your children about everything they
experience on the Internet. Know their lingo, and ask when you don't
understand something.
- Keep checking your children's Internet activity. Know where
they go online and let them know that you keep tabs on what internet
sites they visit.
