Since pornography is so prevalent on the web it is likely that your child will run into it some time. As a parent you need to establish some guidelines and rules for Internet use to help safeguard your child.
Become Internet Savvy
Become familiar with the Internet and how pornography can reach your child.
Spend time with your kids as they surf on-line. Find out what web content, sites, and chat rooms they visit. Among other things, Nicole Allard, families.com safety writer suggests installing a spy-cam.
Learn about programs that promote Internet safety and install filtering and monitoring software. Adam West has some good software suggestions.
Check to make sure your child’s school is promoting and teaching safe Internet practices and that the school does not post personal student information.
Keep the computer in an open area accessible to the entire family.
Choose online screen names carefully. Do not reveal the name, age, or gender of your child.
Offer age-appropriate websites for your child to use. Listing these sites in a favorites list helps prevent mistyping of a URL and possibly reaching a porn site.
Set a good example, parents who view sexual material can leave traces of material that their child may view later.
Deal with an event by discussing how the content was inappropriate and how to avoid it in the future.
Be aware of on-line child predators. One statistic says that 1 in 5 children (ages 10 to 17) who use the Internet are solicited with sexual material online. Adam West, families.com computer writer, talks about the CyberTip Line where parents can report on-line child predators.
Set Internet Rules
Discuss the dangers of Internet use. Let your child know that there are bad things and people out there.
Teach your child to just turn off the monitor and come get you if they run into any pornographic material or anything that makes them uncomfortable. Net Safe Kids.org says, “Above all, they should never respond to messages or bulletin-board items that are suggestive, obscene, belligerent, or threatening.”
Teach your child to never send pictures of themselves or reveal personal information to anyone on-line.
Remind your child that they should never meet with anyone they have met on-line with out your knowledge and presence.
Some parents find it helpful to create an Internet use policy with rules about when, how, and for what purpose your child can use the Internet and the consequences if rules are broken.