News reports give you the impression that the Internet is a haven for cyberbullies, sexual predators, and identity thieves. You are concerned for good reason: Your teenager is often online and seems oblivious to the dangers.
Few people would deny the usefulness of the Internet. The fact that some people have auto accidents does not mean cars are dangerous and they kill people. The same principle applies to the use of the Internet. Your teenager needs to learn to “drive” it cautiously. Unfortunately, most parents do the exact opposite: they just purchase a computer, subscribe to the Internet, and give unrestricted access to their children.
What Can you Do?
Educate yourself
“Everyone shrewd will act with knowledge.” Proverbs 13:16
Parents who provide their children with Internet access need to have a basic understanding of how the Internet works and what their children are doing when they go online. Please do not conclude that you are too old or uneducated to learn. Be committed to keeping up with trends in technology.
It all starts here, learning about how the Internet world works. What dangers are possible, where to get help with this information among others. Gladly, Kidz and Teens For Christ has programmes that can help parents and our platforms and community of experienced parents can also support you in this.
Control Their Access
Parents must learn to treat the online environment like any other environment where they allow their children to engage. For instance, no reasonable parent will give his or her teenager, no matter how old, the keys to a car just because he or she thinks the teenager is old enough or needs a car. Wouldn’t you rather the teenage child go through driving lessons, passes the driving test, and is licensed to drive? Same way for the Internet. As parents, you need to ensure you supervise their access and, more importantly, let them understand the “Why” they need to be cautious on the Internet because even as young adults incautious use of the Internet results in severe consequences.
For instance, many youths are wandering alone in the online neighborhood, and some are creating social networks with people whom you—and even your child—would never invite into the home.
Regulate and Set Boundaries
The World Wide Web can become very addictive for young people with unfettered access. Most teenagers have spent excessive time online which consequently affects other productive areas of their lives such as their studies and healthy family relationships. As a result, ensure you expose them to the importance of effective time management and discipline. Consciously ensure you have a plan that makes it necessary for them to use both while accessing the Internet.
“I turn on the computer intending to check my e-mail for five minutes and end up watching videos for hours,” admits a 19-year-old girl. “I need a lot of self-control.”
Make a decision on when your children can use the Internet, the length of time they can be online, and the type of sites they can and cannot visit. Let there be an open discussion. Set your guidelines and ensure they understand them. Discuss your guidelines with your children, and make sure that they understand them. Ensure your children’s rooms are “Free Screen Zones.” As a rule, no phones, computers, or devices should be used in their sleeping area.
Instill Life Values
“Thinking ability itself will keep guard over you, discernment itself will safeguard you, to deliver you from the bad way, from the man speaking perverse things.” Proverbs 2:11 and 12
Monitoring and tracking have their limits because you are not always over their shoulders, however, when you instill in them the right values for living, this will guide them in taking the right decisions even when you are not there. This is because Internet Safety is primarily about being able to make the right decisions in your use of the Internet. The values you teach them and the example you set will do much more than any caution you can take.
So, dedicate time to have the conversation about what is and what can happen on the Internet; let there be an open line of communication and you will be surprised at the results.
Global reports of child pornography have grown by 2000% since 2013. And 40% of the content is generated by children themselves.
And please don’t say it’s in-country A or country B because they all access the same Internet contents which are accessible anywhere in the world. An open line of communication with your children is your best defense against online dangers. “We talked to both of our boys about ‘bad’ people on the Net,” says Tom, a Christian father. “We also explained what pornography is, why it should be avoided, and why they should never communicate with strangers.” I emphasize again: Let them know the “Why”
Despite all the genuine concerns and dangers found in the use of the Internet, it is important to note that: The Internet is not your enemy. Rather, what leads to trouble is the unwise use of the Internet. Navigating the Internet, like driving a car, requires good judgment—not just technological ability. Your guidance as a parent, therefore, is crucial. As an Internet safety expert puts it: “Kids know more about technology. Parents know more about life.” Let’s teach them about great values that will light their pathway in life.