Know What Your Child Is Doing on the Internet

by SAMHSA

The Internet is a great resource for all of us and useful for learning or play. A person can:

• Have access to a variety of exciting games, and other forms of entertainment.
• Get to know other parts of the world, its peoples, and customs without leaving home
• Get "late breaking news" as it happens
• Complete high school, degree, and other courses on the Internet and never enter a classroom

The Internet also provides a new way to communicate that can help individuals and children who normally find it hard to form friendships. Unfortunately, the Internet also can be a threat to all of us, and especially to our children's safety and well-being.

According to news reports on a recent study, teenagers and young adults spend an average of 16.7 hours online weekly - more than they do watching TV. The Internet is now a main source of information for what's "cool" and current in their world. From music, fashion, entertainment, sports, homework, and instant communication with friends (Instant Messaging or IM), the Internet is the most popular way among youth to "get connected." With this much time devoted to online or Web access, it's safer that parents have some idea of what their kids are doing when they are on the Internet. Online tools to keep children from checking out adult material may not be enough. Other activities on the Internet require direct adult supervision and constant awareness by caring adults to avoid possible harm coming to a child.

Some adults go online and pretend that they're children to try to build trust and make contact with children. These adults may try to get children to meet them face to face, and engage them in unsafe acts that may cause lifelong trauma or even loss of life. Others believe strongly in drug use and everything associated with the drug culture and use the Web to draw young people into it.

Marijuana is always one of the top 100 words looked up on search engines. People who promote marijuana know that teens spend more time online than any other age group and target much of their advertising directly to kids and teens.

So what can you do to help your child to use the Internet safely?

• Make rules and set limits for Internet use, and be firm with your child about keeping them.

• If possible, keep the computer in an area of the home where everyone can see it and it is used by the entire family. A child may be less likely to disobey the rules if he is likely to be caught.

• Know the Web sites your child is visiting and what they are about - are they for play, music, or homework?

• Is your child using chat rooms? This activity may not be a good idea, unless you know the topic and the people are who they say they are. Get involved yourself, and keep an eye on the discussion over time.

• Some popular online activity among youth may be illegal - like downloading music and movies. Make sure you are on top of the laws and that your child knows them, too.

• Make children aware of the dangers of giving personal information on the Internet - this shouldn't be allowed, except with your specific approval. This means no last name, where you live (not even the city), and especially no phone number should ever be given out.

• Very young children should always have an adult or older sibling with them when using the computer.

Here's what other parents and kids had to say in a recent nationwide survey of youth Internet use in the United States:

• 83 percent of parents were satisfied with their children's Internet use.

• 76 percent of 6- to 12-year-olds say their parents are either in the room or nearby all or most of the time they're online; 35 percent of teenagers report the same.

• Most children (79 percent) and parents (95 percent) agree that parents are knowledgeable about kids' online activities. For teens (66 percent) and parents (93 percent) the gap in percentages was a little wider.

• 86 percent of parents see themselves as "guides to good Internet content" rather than "watchdogs" over their kids' Internet use.

• Parents' concern for their kids' online safety ranks 10th among other concerns they have for their kids after school safety, physical health, and academic success.

What To Know

As a parent you may find that your child knows a lot more than you do about computers and how to use them. Don't use this as an excuse not to watch your kid's computer use. Your life-experience as an adult is valuable and can be a plus in guiding your child through life's ups and downs. You do not need computer know-how for that. Your child is becoming more independent, but your parental guidance and support is key to her healthy mental and physical growth.

About the Author

www.samhsa.gov
SAMHSA works to improve the quality and availability of substance abuse prevention, alcohol and drug addiction treatment, and mental health services. Includes links to support groups, information resources, events and articles.