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Watch the Video: RealVideo or Windows Media
Placing your computer in a central location in your home is common sense, more or less. Although computers are more complicated beasts than television sets, they aren't that different from a parenting point of view. Just as you probably wouldn't want your child watching hours of television by themselves, using the computer should be a collaborative activity.
The idea isn't just to make sure your child stays on the straight and narrow. Being there while your child surfs, studies, and plays means that you'll be able to enrich their experience by observing what they're interested in, and perhaps suggest new directions for them to take. You can also be a big help to your child when she's searching on the Internet - finding good information is tough, even for adults.
Here are some other tips on using the Internet with your child:
- If you're not very familiar with the Internet, take some time to learn. The basics of Web browsing and simple email are very easy to pick up; your child probably won't want to do anything more complicated at first. Your public library probably offers classes - your child probably would be happy to give you a tutorial, too.
- Set some simple ground rules for your child's use of the computer. These can range from things like the amount of time she's allowed to use it each day to rules about safety, like making sure that your child doesn't give out any personal information to strangers.
- Ask your child questions as she uses the computer that will challenge her to use her critical thinking skills. Here's an easy one: are all Web sites trustworthy? How can you decide what is trustworthy and what isn't?
With your help, the Internet can be a great way to engage your child's natural curiosity. It just takes a little bit of conscientiousness, like anything else.
For more information on helping your child use the Internet, try one of these links:
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