INTERNET IN THE FAMILY

I WAS NOT ABLE TO READ THE PART ONE COPY OF THE INTERNET IN THE FAMILY PUBLISHED BY PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER BUT I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO READ ITS PART II EPISODE OF INTERNET IN THE FAMILY.

MOST HOMES TODAY IS EQUIPPED WITH COMPUTERS, LAPTOPS AND NET BOOKS. SOME OTHERS HAVE ACCESS TO COMPUTERS THROUGH  COMPUTER SHOPS THAT SPROUTING LIKE MUSHROOMS IN ALMOST EVERY CORNER.

TODAY, WE ARE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT INTERNET IN THE FAMILY WHEREIN THE PARENTS CAN HAVE THEIR OWN SET OF RULES AND REGULATION ON THE USE OF THE WEB.

HERE ARE 10 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PARENTS:

1.     SPEND TIME WITH CHILDREN ONLINE.

        As with other media, the best way for an adult to know how children use the Internet is to use it along with them. This allows an adult to understand what children do when they surf the Internet, to know their favorite online sites and the way they use the Internet. The key to this shared navigation is dialogue.

2.     CREATE AN INTERNET FAMILY CODE TOGETHER.

        Encourage a discussion with children about writing a family code together and about the use of the Internet, such as the amount of time per day, authorized content and sites that may be visited; rules about chat rooms, etc.

3.     ENCOURAGE CHILDREN TO DISCUSS WHAT IS BOTHERING THEM WITH ADULTS.

        Children unintentionally may find some bothersome sites on the Internet. Explain to them that they should not feel they are alone when confronted with a message or a web page that makes them feel badly. Let them know they will feel better if they share this information with the family.

4.     KEEP THE COMPUTER IN A SHARED AREA OF THE HOUSE.

        When children use the computer alone in their bedrooms, it is more difficult for adults to share the experience with them. Keep the computer in the family room.

5.     PLACE THE LAPTOP IN A COMMON ROOM AS WELL.

        Some families use a laptop and in this case as well, it is important that it is kept in a common room. If children bring a laptop to their bedroom, will be using it alone without an adult present.

6.     EXPLAIN TO CHILDREN THE IMPORTANCE OF NOT GIVING OUT PERSONAL DATA.

        Many children provide personal data via Internet not only to new "friends" but also to sites from which they want to receive information. Adults should make it clear that children should not give out their personal data under any circumstances. If they would like to subscribe to a web site, it is better to create a family account to receive the information or any messages.

7.     USE MORE THAN A SINGLE WEB PAGE AS A SOURCE WHEN DOING HOMEWORK.

        The Internet is one of the sources that the children habitually use to do homework. Adults should explain the value of visiting more than one web site when conducting a search for information, of using pages with different viewpoints and of citing the sources used.

8.     ASK ABOUT CHAT ROOM ACTIVITY.

        Children and adolescents love chatting and this is a main activity for them on the Internet. Adults should ensure that the chat rooms they use are safe and should participate in them if necessary. Adults should also know which friends are chatting with their children.

9.     COLLABORATE WITH AN INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER.

        Check with an Internet service provider to learn about the tools available to protect young children while they are using the Internet. Call and ask providers to install these devices.

10.    FILTER USE.

         Although dialogue, communication and agreement by consensus are the most important tools for learning about how children use the Internet, filters or other protection systems are also valuable. Find out the best options in addition to what is offered by Internet service provider.