While 24/7 connectivity to the cyber world has its benefits, it also poses increasing danger to children and teenagers as they share too much information online. This makes them and their families vulnerable to fraud, bullying and a number of potential crimes. The only answer to the problem is for adults to supervise their children’s time on as many social networking sites as possible.
Child safety softwares can help you watch over your children’s activities
There are various mechanisms available to ensure your child’s safety in cyberspace, but the question is how many parents actually know about it and how many of them use it?
Most of the Internet connections at homes are through wireless broadband with inbuilt router filters. But parents do not have any idea that such filters are there on their computer and that so many child safety softwares are available.
Children are basically fearless in exploring; but it does not mean that they are smart. Child safety softwares can be used by parents to keep children from browsing adult sites or any site they do not want their children to visit. I would suggest to parents that children must not be given laptops.
If the kids are allowed to access a computer at home, parents must make sure that the system is placed in the drawing room, so as to keep a watch on their kids’ activities. The networking sites are especially very attractive and can be dangerous, if there are requests from anonymous people. Children are very naive and can easily fall for such requests from unknown sources. There are regular workshops held through schools for parents and students on child safety in cyberspace.
—Dr Bhooshan Shukla, child psychiatrist
Parents shouldn’t expose kids to the Internet till the age of 13-14
Most of the schools have lessons on basic computer applications, but nothing about Internet as a tool. There are some schools that encourage students to do their research using the Internet. Even parents at home are encouraging their children to browse the Internet.
However, I am totally against this practice, I think children must not be exposed to the Internet till the age of 13-14. I am surprised when I hear that parents tell their kids to sit at home and browse the Internet instead of encouraging them to play with their friends. Parents should supervise what their children are doing on the Net and
discourage them from undesirable online activity.
—Aruna Jethwani, educationist
Parents can only monitor, but not control their child’s online activities
As a parent, I am very conscious about my child’s safety in cyberspace. We have child safety software installed on our computer, wherein it automatically blocks adult sites. So, in our absence also children cannot access these websites.
In my opinion, the child safety software works for children only till a certain age. Once they enter their teens, they become smart enough to find their way out of all these security filters. As far as computers and softwares are concerned, children surprisingly outsmart adults. No matter how many safety measures we take, children are masters in breaking codes and passwords. I think as parents we can monitor, but not control what our children are doing on the Internet. In the end, parents are responsible for tracking their kids’ online activities, without violating their child’s faith in them.
—Ashish Lal, parent
An open relationship with kids can prevent them from turning to Net
I think that if a child receives proper attention and emotional support from his / her parents, the need for such diversions will never arise. There is no need for any restriction apart from what we impart through education.
If parents fail to give proper attention and guidance to their kids, it will affect their emotional health and they will try to find comfort in networking sites.
It all depends on how transparent parents are in answering questions asked by their children. There is no reason for children to get addicted to the Internet, if all their queries are answered by parents.
To ensure that kids do not browse adult sites, parents must have an open relationship with their children. They must always be available whenever their child needs them. It all depends on how frank parents are with the children and not how strict they are.
—John Samson, parent
I check my kids’ browsing history and guide them to secure sites
As a parent of two daughters, I have always been extra cautious in what they are doing on the Internet. My 7-year-old daughter, who appears for several competitive exams, always insists that she wants to be on Facebook, as all her friends are on the networking site.
But I am strictly against her being on any networking site at such a tender age. She is oblivious to the dangers of online networking or browsing. I have taken her into confidence and she uses the Internet only under my supervision.
I also have a 20-year-old daughter, who has a Facebook account. To keep a check on her circle, I have also gelled with her circle. In fact, we have a common circle, where we have all our relatives. I do not have any child safety software installed on our PC, as I regularly check my kids’ browsing history and guide them to secure sources on the Internet. Parents have a big role in making their children understand on how to use the Internet safely.
—Savita Rao, parent
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