In recent weeks, some parents of laptop students have expressed concern about the unlimited information their children may be exposed to on their laptops via the Internet.  Although the school has an Internet filtering system restricting access to inappropriate sites on campus, when students are at home or the local coffee house, their access to the Internet is limitless.  From analysis of Shakespeare’s collective work, or a world-wide telescope to computer-sex offenders, pornography, and the latest methods for cheating on the next big test, children are exposed to a “wealth” of information, some excellent and some horrifying.  The question for parents is, “How do we enjoy the benefits of the Internet while protecting our children from the dangers?”  The key to protecting your children from the dangers of the Internet is to start early and to err on the side of caution. 

In open discussions about Internet safety, the resounding sentiment of parents with high school aged children is that they wish they knew they needed stronger boundaries regarding Internet use when their children were first exposed.  Once the “window of opportunity” is opened, it is hard to shut it.  Many have found that once their children have enjoyed unrestricted access to their laptops and to the Internet, it is difficult to then approach them months, or years, later and requests that their children show them which websites they are visiting and who they are communicating with on MySpace, Face Book, or instant messenger.  The general consensus is that if they had limited access, checked history, required computer use to be in a common area of the home earlier, then their children would not be so resistant to some restrictions now.  In short, parents need to become proactive and establish guidelines for Internet use the first time they permit their children access to the Internet, even if your children are as young as three.

You may ask, “What Internet guidelines can I establish with my three-year-old that will extend to their teen years?”  Involvement and restraint are the two most important guidelines that you can implement at any age.  Let your children know from the beginning that you will be involved in their computer usage.  Sit with them while they look for information about frogs for a science project; ask them to show you the site they found to help with their reading.  Demonstrate that you know what sites they are visiting.  Additionally, set parameters for Internet usage.  Install Internet filtering programs on your home computer and laptops which restrict usage to certain times of the day.  Post “acceptable use” rules beside your computer where everyone can see.  By being involved and setting limits early on, you are teaching your children habits for the future.  While the circle of protection may widen as they age and prove they are trustworthy, they will always know that their parents are involved and dedicated to protecting them from unknown dangers.