Image from: www.yourfamilyshealth.com/kids_health/back_to_school/kid_computer.jpg
As I was talking to my younger sister last night, she told me a story, that although I admit I found to be comical, was a little disturbing. Our ten year old cousin, she told me, had gotten in trouble at school for typing in the search term "Lady Gaga's boobs" while he was in the computer lab at school. Now, yes, it is kind of funny, but it made me start to think: If he is comfortable enough to type this in at school, what is he looking up at home and what is he doing on the internet (he has a facebook, which also seems strange to me).
As I was talking to my younger sister last night, she told me a story, that although I admit I found to be comical, was a little disturbing. Our ten year old cousin, she told me, had gotten in trouble at school for typing in the search term "Lady Gaga's boobs" while he was in the computer lab at school. Now, yes, it is kind of funny, but it made me start to think: If he is comfortable enough to type this in at school, what is he looking up at home and what is he doing on the internet (he has a facebook, which also seems strange to me).
Someone should explain to him that what he tried to search was not appropriate and someone should also be monitoring the time he spends on the internet, as well as his internet activity. Unfortunately both of his parents work late and he spends a lot of unsupervised time at home. Whether or not you can always be there, take the time to discuss with your student the purposes for the internet and what is and is not appropriate. Consider setting up filters or time limiters if you have internet access at home. Children spend a lot of time in front of the television and computer, encourage your child to find another entertaining activity. Most importantly make sure you know what your child is doing on the internet, because there are a lot of dangers/issues that he or she could run into.
Websites with internet safety tips:
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