Internet for Families
Most people acquire access to the Internet for -a- reason, but there are many uses for families for which the Internet can be an invaluable tool.
These include communication with family and friends outside the home via email and instant chat messaging, social development and support for parents and for children through message boards, research, entertainment, and even creative expression through web page design.
Letting children loose on the Internet is not too dissimilar from letting them loose out of the house.
Sure, they're just sitting in the next room, but their minds could be exploring on the other side of the world.
While infinite learning opportunities abide on the Internet, it is important to know how children may be at risk, and how to mitigate the dangers.
Parental controls are a popular solution and available with many ISP services or Internet web browser programs.
Generally managed by passwords set by the parent, these tools can be used to limit time spent online, in addition to filtering access to questionable web sites.
Still, using software tools are no replacement for good old-fashioned parental involvement.
Filtering programs can guard against undesirable unsolicited email content, but computer programs cannot judge whether an ongoing communication with an online "friend" is appropriate or safe.
And, while online chat and instant messaging is a simple and effective means for communicating with friends and family, chat rooms are a ripe harvesting ground for online predators.
Keeping your Internet access in a public area of the home is a basic and highly successful method for deterring risky behavior.
Having Internet activities in public view invite opportunity for parent participation, and can help make children feel more comfortable approaching parents with questions on their Internet experiences, whether simple or complex.
Pew Internet Research reported, "Nearly two-thirds of youth and parents agree that the children know more about the Internet than their parents do."
While it is important to allow children time to explore their individual interests online, it is just as important to also include the Internet as a family activity.
By spending time together on the Internet, parents have the opportunity to rely on their children as a resource for learning more about the Internet, while guiding their children towards responsible and savvy behavior on the Internet.
Research a favorite topic together or go on a scavenger hunt.
For an excellent place to start, follow the links listed below.
Armed with knowledge for responsible online behavior in combination with parental supervision and support, children and teens can enjoy healthy online experiences with minimal risk.
We have also had the priveledge of attending the flagship Internet safety training program for Montana sponsored by i-Safe. Please contact us if you are interested in arranging a class visit.
Internet Safety Guidelines:
- FBI's Parent's Guide to Internet Safety: a must read!
- FTC.gov: A list of articles regarding Internet safety for children, and in particular information about the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act.
- Get Net Wise: Resources available for kids, teens, and families on how to stay safe on the Internet. Articles are written for age groups: 2-4 yrs, 4-7 yrs, 7-10 yrs, 10-12 yrs, 12-14 yrs, and 14-17 yrs of age.
- Safety Surf: And finally, here is a list of free web browser downloads to help program parental controls and filter content.
Setting Up Parental Controls:
- Email Filters: Ideas and instructions on filtering and organizing your family's email.
- Software Tools for your computer to help you implement parental controls on what your family should and can have access to.
Visit the link for "Web Browsers" under your appropriate computer operating system.
- Internet Content Rating Association: Detailed information on rating web site content.
Great Sites!
- Children's Partnership.org: Including: "How Can You Find Good Places to Go and Things to Do Online?"
This site is absolutely one of the best starting places for both parents and children of any age.
- American Library Association: Including "Great Sites", an excellent list of "amazing, spectacular, mysterious, wonderful websites for kids and the adults who care about them".
- Go on a Scavenger Hunt!
Leaning how to use the Internet doesn’t have to feel like learning about the Internet.
What better way to spend time together than to explore the World Wide Web for hidden treasure?
- Jim Loy's Home Page:
Locally hosted, a fantastic eclectic collection of information and learning.
- SkySciHomepage:
Locally hosted, visit the home page for Billings' Skyview Highschool's science department
- Montana Earth Science Picture of the Week: By Rod Benson, Earth Science Teacher at Helena High School
If you have any other sites or tips to suggest, please email us!
Internet Savvy
Netiquette |
Digital Privacy |
Internet for Families |
Spotting Hoaxes |
Junk Email
Computer Viruses |
Hackers |
Reporting Crime
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