Raising Responsible Online Citizens

As a parent, you recognize the possible threats that lurk on the Internet. In all their innocence, children are easily manipulated and can be persuaded to buy or order goods, talk to strangers, or click on inappropriate websites. Teachers at the Diocese of Orlando’s schools in Polk County give lessons on Internet safety and good online etiquette to their students. Below are a number of ways parents are able to raise more responsible online citizens in the growing worldwide community of Internet users.

• Act positively: Sit with your child as he or she surfs the web. Let errors occur so you can correct them and teach how to better access the information they want. Spelling counts, so you may wish to write the websites on a piece of paper near the computer, or, even better, create shortcuts for each site your child wishes to access. Proactive actions can definitely keep your child safer.
• Secure access: Add a security suite that includes anti-spyware, anti-malware, anti-virus, and firewall protection. This can keep any unintended choices from infiltrating your computer while your child is accessing information.
• Protection features: Major Internet service providers provide tools that allow children access to only websites approved by their parents. These tools also monitor online time and contact with other people. Many mobile devices come with protection features already installed. Familiarize yourself with them by consulting the user’s manual.
• Teach critical thinking: Caution is an important idea to teach. If something does not look correct, chances are it isn’t. Even if a website is safe, the advertising content may not be appropriate. Clicking on advertisements, downloading information that may harm your computer, and posting content that may be inappropriate are all lessons that need to be learned with a parent nearby.
• Set boundaries: No matter how many rules you create, they do not have much bearing on usage if there are no consequences for incorrect behavior. Explain to your child that the computer is not a toy, but a tool that must be used carefully. Incorrect usage can lead to a loss of privileges, including no computer time or limited computer time with direct supervision, or the loss of other activities.

Understanding the importance of safe Internet use requires patience and practice, two skills learned at home and in schools in Polk County. When children are guided through this process by a parent, both parties feel more confident. Parents learn to trust the choices their children make, and the children realize the important privilege they have in using the family computer. Contact the Diocese of Orlando at 407-246-4800 to learn the importance of a quality education, and read our blogs for information on our schools and the role parents play in their children’s education.