Leaving a computer unprotected is a recipe for disaster. A March 1, 2011 USA Today story, “Sex predators target children using social media,” reported that reports of child exploitation online nearly doubled in 2010. Kids can also be exposed to content inappropriate for their age, including pornography. In fact, 92% of boys and 63% of girls have been exposed to pornography by age 18
This is such as scary statistic! I have a seven year old daughter who loves to use the computer at home. I have sent up password protected sites for her to use, that have parent consent pages to view, and that I have deemed appropriate. However, what happens one day (in the near future) when she decides to have a look on the web when i am not there to keep watch? With all the disturbing and unsuitable materials online, my child may subjected to unhealthy viewing if not guided wisely.
It is parents' responsibility to their children to ensure all appropriate measures are taken and in place so that the child is not put into a compromising position on-line. It is also very important to ensure regular discussions are had with the children (I have a brief chat each time with mine) to ensure that rules are always understood an followed.
Really an parent who is blaise about the importance of Internet safety with their children, is playing with fire.... Social media is now a way of life for our children, and this is the exact environment some very terrible people scope out vulnerable children.
More information about this can be found at the following website:
http://www.say-yes.com/how-to-keep-your-children-healthy-and-safe-on-the-internet
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