How to Get Your Children to Be Net-Wise

Like it or not, our children will have to learn how to use the internet. However, it's important that they understand that there are both good and bad websites out there. When you're thinking about how to get your children to be net-wise, you may want to consider these ten suggestions.

1. Teach them that personal information is just that - personal. Under no circumstances are they to give out personal information in chat rooms or anywhere else on the internet, unless they have talked with you first and gotten approval. This includes their name, address, school, or telephone number.

2. Explain that it is best to trust their instincts when online. Things aren't always what they appear. Predators and pedophiles often masquerade as children or teenagers in order to gain access to their victims. Let them know that if they feel uncomfortable about something that is said or someone is pushing for personal information, they need to heed their instincts and leave that area. They would also want to report anyone that is asking for that type of information.

3. Unfortunately, the internet isn't as safe as it used to be. Pornographic websites purchase previously owned websites that used to cater to children or teens and then lost their domain name. If your child sees something or has an unpleasant experience while online, they should feel free to tell you or another adult about it.

4. It is vitally important that your child or teen never makes plans to meet someone in person that they've met online. There are numerous stories of children or teens being abducted because they felt they could trust the online person only to find out they weren't who they said they were.

5. Contests are fun and everyone loves to win. However, it would be better to tell your children to never enter online contests without asking one or both parents about doing so first. Contests are often an avenue predators use to gain personal information. It's better to miss out on a contest than take a chance on the validity of the contest.

6. Attachments used to be commonplace and people sent information in attachments on a regular basis. Nowadays, though, they're not always safe. They can contain viruses that will affect the computer, or spyware that will give someone remote access to your computer. It is best for children to ask their parents before opening any attachment or downloading anything they find online.

7. If you child is unsure of the identity of someone sending messages with links in them, tell them not to click on any of the links. Again they could contain harmful information.

8. Teach children that they should treat people with respect while they're online just like they would if the person were in the same room.

9. Children and teens need to understand their family's rules for using the internet and being net-wise and then follow them. Parents are trying their best to keep their children safe even though it may seem their rules are outdated.

10. If you're using the internet at a location other than home, be sure to find out what the rules are and follow them as if you were at home. Rules aren't put in place to zap a child or teen's fun from them, they're put in place to protect and keep all users, no matter what age, net-wise and safe.

You can get your children to be net-wise and these ten ideas will help you help them stay safe while online.