Does your child frequently access the internet? If so, have you already set any rules telling them what’s acceptable and what’s intolerable online behavior? If you happen to be unaccustomed to establishing rules in the family, now should be the right time to address your family’s ethical concerns and set household rules--especially when it comes to media exposure. Such guidelines are for the benefit of their development, as well as their safety.
A number of media policies are now considered a standard in our society and are already observed at many workplaces and at school. It should be required to set limits on media access because your child will most likely explore the wrong internet boundaries. Children normally like to test limitations, especially when there are no absolute rules and agreed consequences.
7 tips to apply proper control of your child's online behavior:
1. As parents, you must thoroughly discuss what proper values should be observed in using the internet. Appropriate media should be chosen based on your child’s emotional and cognitive development level. Be aware that your child’s age is not the basis of what’s appropriate for him, but his developmental maturation.
2. If your child has his own computer, decide to place parental control by using software like Netnanny or CyberSitter.
3. If you do not feel confident that your child can be trusted, make sure he only uses the computer at a particular place where you can easily monitor him, like in the family room.
4. Clearly write down your media rules. If you allow him to go onto social media sites like Facebook or Twitter, have some time to discuss with him some rules. You should include rules regarding lewd words or photos, the friends he adds, sharing posts or personal information, and cyber bullying. Learn to role play some common situations you expect him to encounter and give effective advice on what to do when that situation comes. Let him feel you are always open when he needs help on certain issues that may come up.
5. Become your child’s social media friend or follower and tell him it’s part of gaining and building trust. Let him learn to post only that which he feels would be alright to share with his parents.
6. Anticipate discussing media scandals with your child and advise him how to handle that situation. Also, listen to your child’s thoughts with a radical and open mind before you give your parental advice.
7. Most likely your child feels he always has the right to use a computer. Let it be known that computer use is a privilege, not a given right. If your child starts telling you he is doing homework, but he is actually chatting with friends, or in other ways cannot show responsibility, confront him with your parenting reigns and limit his time on the computer, such as just for homework. Be clear on the agreed consequences if he violate this rule.
Establishing clear, consistent rules will help make your child undoubtedly responsible. Even older children are still developing, and need guidelines. Apply these seven tips to educate him or her as to what behavior is appropriately allowed and acceptable online, and you will be aiding in their mature, responsible development, as well as helping to keep them safe online.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sera Filson is a proud mother, health enthusiast, and professional student who's currently pursing a B.A. in Business Management. When she's not writing, exercising, or studying, she enjoys reading about lipsuction and laser lipo.
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