Computer Safety for Your Child

Computer Safety for Your Child

Technology is all around us, ever evolving, so it is important to “stay on top” of all of the changes and monitor your child’s use to ensure his safety.  Used with caution, there are many valuable learning resources available for children from reading and spelling web games to sites that assist with presentation creation and research for older children.  Unfortunately, there are many hazards on the Internet as well, so it is very important that you spend time with your child while he is using the computer, especially when it comes to social media or email correspondence.  Social media sites, though useful at times, can lead to cyber bullying or even solicitation of children.  If your child has a social media account, know the password and monitor what is being expressed through updates or chats.  Ask your child questions about his online friends, and make sure that his profile is private and limited to people he knows.  It is also important to maintain the computer in a central location in the home where you can continually see the websites and communication your child accesses to ensure its appropriateness.  By being vigilant, your child will benefit from technology and most importantly, stay safe.