Come home from school, eat a snack, play Nintendo DS. Do some homework, eat dinner, play Xbox 360. Take a shower, brush teeth, play computer games and go to the Dragon Tales website. Ah, life of the young and elementary schooler.
The Internet age has obviously impacted the corporate world dramatically. However, the increasing availability of Internet and media resources within the common household has had consequences that are not always apparent. Parental concern regarding child safety online has increased tenfold as phones, IPods, and computers all come equipped with ways to constantly remain connected. Not only personal devices, but computers at local libraries and schools are being utilized for social networking and Web surfing. Under these circumstances, it becomes extremely important and rather difficult to educate and maintain Internet safety and security.
What parents can do however, is teach to their kids instead of preach to their kids. While parents are aware of the dangers that lurk online, children are often blissfully ignorant. There are ways to impart knowledge about Internet safety that are creative and interactive. I recently came upon a website showcasing the teachings of Professor Garfield. Most of us are familiar with the chubby orange cat of Sunday comics, but his professor avatar is one that parents of younger children will find particularly useful. This website uses interactive games and videos to define common Internet dangers. For example, it encourages children to explore cyberbullying-what it is and how to stop it. Through the use of comedic videos starring Garfield, children can learn to combat Internet predators.
As someone who was a teenager not so long ago, I can attest to frustrations that arise from listening to parental lectures and advice. Although I now understand that my parents always had my best interest in mind, it was not so clear during my moody teenage days. Instead of preaching to children about the rights and wrongs of Internet safety, one can use resources such as the ever-charming Garfield to entertain and educate. Oh and mom, these videos are enjoyable for adults also.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Helene Thames 9-02-2011 @ 10:57PM
Great Article. My girls are still young and i still have control over what they view on the internet. Its not going to be long before my eldest will have a mind of her own and your article does help instead of becoming a nagging mummy!
I have something of my own to share for child safety when they are out and about! Hope you like it too!
http://www.parentalmonitoring.net/
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Gary Hyman 9-27-2011 @ 9:28AM
Yes this is a youthful approach to cyber bullying. I love the "Try" section of Prof Garfield. It touches on something very important in education - i.e. interaction. I believe kids learn so much better & retain more when they are interacting. And a great way to learn about cyber bulling - start them young.
http://kidinternetsafetyguru.com
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Katherine 12-10-2011 @ 4:29PM
I talk to my kids about the importance of online-safety and how to be responsible Internet users. I have used a couple of websites for resources and educational material, but only a few offer interactivity. The best I've found so far, it's called http://www.netsmartz.org. Netsmartz is a great site for kids as well as parents that educates, engages and empowers through educational and interactive activities.
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Paul Smith 7-17-2012 @ 1:43PM
Great article but I still face the problem that my kids are not often honest with me. Also, it is not just the internet I worry about anymore, it's mobile. My friends and I now use MMGuardian's Monitor feature, which I am telling everyone about, because it lets me see when my kids receive or send bullying or harassing texts. It empowers me as the parent to know what is going on and address it directly with my kids! Download it here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mmguardian&hl=en
because it might help you!
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