This topic makes me think back to the same discussion that's been going on for some time...
There are media outlets, such as TV and the internet, that children can have access to- but only if you allow it, and only in the ways you allow it.
Most good tips for parents will all say the same thing; the computer should not be in the child's room- keep it in a common area of the home, as visible as possible. Also, monitor the amount of time spent on it, just like many would for TV-watching habits.
It's especially important not just for content you don't wish them to access, but also for young teens and who can access
them. There are far too many ways for a person to contact and message underage teens, unless you are proactive in the child's online experience and protection.
As a small child, you teach them to look both ways before crossing the street and to watch out for cars because they're dangerous- then, later, they are mature enough to play a fun game with their friends if it's a slow enough neighborhood street. The thing is, no one would put off that initial lesson and then just drop their kid off in the middle of the same road.
It seems, then, that it's an odd disconnect when parents will allow a child to hop online without educating them on the dangers, teaching them how to be safe, and what not to do. There are fairly regular reports of people finding out their child had posted all manner of personal, trackable info out on the internet, or to a stranger. Apart from the watchdog groups that attempt to catch sexual predators, there are others whose whole purpose is checking online for children who post inappropriately personal info- telephone number, home address, school they attend, etc. They are normally staffed by police officers, and then an officer will go out to the home and educate the parents on good safety practice for their child. I think it's an awesome program, because that initial step of giving out personal info lends itself to all manner of other problems kids can get into.
Really, these issues are all common in the most important way: educating the kids. Educating them about sex (a teen should be educated already), and the appropriate use of the internet for their age.
This is a decent article, but I agree that the "poll" results are likely very off, due to many, many factors that would skew them. lol
Great thread!
