Protecting Your Family in the DIgital Age
If you're feeling a little anxious, wondering how to shield your children in our technology-saturated world, take heart! The articles in this section will detail some crucial concerns and offer suggestions for communicating with your kids about online safety.
Networking Nightmares
In the 50s, it was the malt shop. In the 80's, the roller rink. Today, more and more kids choose the Internet as their primary "hang out." But now, the bullies don't ride up on motorcycles waving their fists; they harass and humiliate others online with crude images and invectives. Predators don't have to lurk in the back alley; they can enter the clubhouse posing as one of the gang. And don't even get us started on the pictures you run into on the web. Ugh. So what's a good parent to do?
Parenting Power
As a parent, you may feel overwhelmed by the task before you – but you're far from powerless! Beyond the obvious need to pray relentlessly for your kids,
Be watchful. Set up clear guidelines, or even a contract, concerning your kids' cell or Internet use. Be sure you have their passwords/access to their online pages or communications. Spot check frequently.
Understand technology…and its shortcomings. Know what Facebook or your child's cell phone plan allow him to do. You may find you can limit or disable certain features for added peace of mind. Content blocking software is great, but not foolproof – and certainly no substitute for parental vigilance.
Make the rules fit the child. A younger child or less mature teen may require more regulation online than his siblings or friends. Whether or not it seems "fair," your specialized rules may protect children from stumbling upon situations they're ill-equipped to handle. Remember that emotionally disturbed, socially isolated or depressed kids are more susceptible to predators. Repeat this often to yourself and your kids, especially if you have kids of different ages: "Fair does not equal the same". Different kids, different ages, different rules. Fairness and equality are not the same concepts.
Caution Your Kids
As you begin conversing about Internet use – and setting boundaries – expect indignation. Explain to kids that it isn't them you don't trust…it's all the people in cyberspace that you don't know! Urge them to:
Maintain privacy. Tell them not to post personal information, especially facts that would allow someone to track them down. Remind them to limit who can see their posts to real life friends. Urge them never to divulge passwords…even to a best bud.
Maintain integrity. Even "good" kids sometimes check their morals and judgment at the keyboard. While they'd never stroll naked through a stadium, they might not think twice about posting suggestive photos of themselves. Encourage young people to consider how God would react if He came upon their Facebook page or Web site, or if He viewed their communications or surfing practices.
Think about long-term consequences. Reinforce the value of a good reputation. Deleting content from a social networking site may not make it disappear permanently; some pages are actually archived and retrievable! Let teens know that college admissions staff members or potential employers often look kids up online to get a feel for their character. In addition, teens need to realize that the words they write or pictures they post or send of others, even in jest, can leave lasting scars.