It is essential to show that the Internet has many positive aspects, but also some negative ones and that if proper precautions are not taken, children and young people are exposed to them.
Gradually, children and young people can be given some independence in using the Internet. In the impossibility of being present whenever they use it, some rules can be established, in a clear and objective way, about its use.
In any case, parental control tools should continue to be used, as well as placing the computer in a common use place, which makes it easier to supervise your children’s activities on the Internet.
One of the reasons for conflict between parents and children regarding the use of the Internet has to do with the time spent, especially on social networks.
To avoid this situation, it is important to define very well under what circumstances and how much time can be devoted to research, schoolwork, and entertainment.
Communication between parents and children is essential, and children should be encouraged to report whenever they feel uncomfortable or that something or someone makes them feel threatened.
When this happens, stay calm and actively listen to what they have to say, without criticizing, giving them the reassurance they need. If you respond appropriately to this situation, you will encourage your child to seek you out in other similar situations.
That doesn’t mean we should scare them. We don’t want to cause anxiety every time you browse. Today’s youth will use the internet all their lives.
And as parents, we want them to travel cyber highways safely, teaching them the ways of the digital world and being prepared to protect themselves.
Posting photographs and/or videos on the Internet is also something that children and young people should be aware of. When you publish anything on the Internet, it’s forever.
Even if it is later withdrawn, someone may have already saved it and can publish it whenever they want.
The published images can also give information about the lives of those who publish them, such as the places and schools they attend, where they spend their holidays, and their residence, hence the importance of parents deciding which images can be made available. online.
It is essential to show that the Internet has many positive aspects, but also some negative ones, and that, if proper precautions are not taken, children and young people are exposed to them.
Make this contract with your child and put these 10 rules into practice.
CONTRACT
I, ___________________________________ (name of child), undertake to use the Internet according to the rules that my parents have established, with which I agree, and which are the following:
1. I can use the Internet ___hours/minutes (time) per day/week for entertainment (gaming, browsing websites, social media).
2. Social media passwords are known to my parents, but never to my friends.
3. I will only visit sites authorized by my parents.
4. If I want to buy something online, I ask my parents to make the purchase.
5. I let my parents know if I am approached inappropriately by someone ( expletives, invitations, intimate conversations, photographs, or images of sexual content) or if I feel uncomfortable about something.
6. I am aware that social media friends are just virtual friends and may not be who they say they are. I will only make an appointment with someone, exceptionally, if my parents know and authorize it.
7. My address, phone/mobile number, school, and places I go to or my password are not for sharing on the Internet.
8. I can only publish photographs authorized by my parents.
9. I must respect others and not make derogatory or mean comments about anyone.
10. These rules apply to using the Internet on my mobile phone/ tablet /computer.
Data: ___-___-___
Child’s signature: ____________________________________________________________________
Parent’s signature: ____________________________________________________________________
These are rules that we normally abide by on a daily basis; they just have to be transferred whenever we use this medium.
Making children and young people aware of the acceptance and use of good practices and rules for using the Internet must be a task for both parents and educational agents.
We suggest always talking about these matters with your children. Track their digital lives the same way you track their school days and other aspects of their lives. Show them that this is an area of serious concern, but one that can be easily managed with proper online habits, smart choices, and good dialogue.
