by Angelina Marshall

Created on: May 11, 2008

It's just a computer right? A little machine set up in your home, designed to educate and amuse. How could your children possibly be in danger, when they are in the safety of your home a matter of a few feet or a room away? Right? No, wrong!

The Internet is literally an outlet to the world, both the good and the bad aspects of it. Good parenting skills and instinct allow you the sense to warn your young children to never to talk to strangers; do not go outside alone, or to places without a chaperon. One must realize though, that strangers can come into your home every day and talk to your children. There are so many outlets to reach young children, whether it is via MySpace, Facebook, or any other messaging device.

This does not mean, though, to take the computer away or block every website that may be popular to your child. There are small measures that can be taken to provide safety to your child surfing the Internet. MySpace, for example, is a very popular website where people of all ages can create profiles, add pictures, and keep in contact with their friends. Unfortunately, this means anyone else can also see their pictures and contact them too. This is a very scary concept, but this does mean that you should block your child from MySpace or any other friend site eternally. Keep tabs on your child's page. Make sure the profile is set to "private" so that random strangers cannot browse their page. Set rules with your child; make sure they only accept friend requests from people they know from school or family members. Take steps to ensure that they do not have any identifying information on their page or pictures that show their school or home.

The Internet is access to all kinds of information and people. There are programs you can use to block certain sites that you may not wish your child to view. Communication is also an important key in Internet safety. Make sure your child understands that just as they would not tell a stranger where they live, they certainly should never talk to strangers online or give out any of their personal information. Make sure to keep an open line with your child about the Internet, check on them just as you would check on them playing outside in the yard.

It may seem like a simple machine, but that computer sitting in their room is access to absolutely everything and anything in the world. The Internet is an amazing tool when used in a positive way. Always remember that you would never allow your child to play outside and talk to strangers, the Internet is the new age playground monitor, protect, and communicate.

Learn more about this author, Angelina Marshall.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.