Children now have access to PCs almost everywhere — they use a friend’s computer or one at the nearest cybercafe to log on to the Net; they also surf Web sites in their library or school.
Children are spending more time on the Net to not only access study material, but also to keep in touch with friends, download music or ringtones, and play online games. Being computer-savvy also helps them gain the acceptance and admiration of their peers..
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Did you know?
Harassed by classmates who bullied him about his pockmarked face, a Class 10 student set up a pornographic website and displayed morphed, nude images of his classmates and teachers. |
For parents, however, it is a Catch-22 situation: The dangers that malicious sites and chat rooms pose are great, but not enough to warrant denial of online access. Barring children from using a computer is not an ideal solution either!
Hence, as parents, it pays to understand how you can minimize the risks your child faces as he logs on to the Web. It is a good idea to maintain strict do’s & don’ts list of online behaviour and to initiate open, trusting dialogue with your children.
Check List for Parents
- Take a keen interest in the websites your child visits
- Set some rules for online behaviour and implement them
- Spend time surfing the Internet together
- Always keep Internet-ready computers in a family room and not in your child’s bedroom
- Be aware of the risks and discuss them with your child
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What are the risks? |
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FAQs and How To... |
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