Spring 2009

Internet Safety

Establishing Rules to Protect Children Online

Ellen Link, MD

Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Children’s Hospital

The Internet is a wonderful tool, appreciated by children and adults alike for its ability to provide information and enhance communication. However, its use is not without risks and there are important safety issues that must be considered. Primary care providers should be aware of these safety considerations in order to provide appropriate anticipatory guidance to their patients and their families.

It is important for parents to regularly discuss the Internet with their children and to develop family rules about acceptable and safe behavior for electronic media use. Just as parents should regularly ask their children where they are going and who they are going out with when they leave home, so should they ask their teens where they are going  and who they’re communicating with on the Internet. Teens should be encouraged to communicate only with people they know in person and it should be reinforced that people online may lie about their identities.

Parents should explore the Internet regularly and in particular should become familiar with websites frequently visited by their child. Keeping current is important, as technology and websites change rapidly. In addition to educating themselves, parents can encourage their child’s school district to provide educational sessions about safe and appropriate electronic media use for children and their families. Parents should also encourage school districts to develop strict policies regarding appropriate electronic media use in school settings.

Filtering or monitoring software is available and can help
keep children safe on the Internet. Filtering products can give children access to a pre-approved list of sites and block access to other sites. However, because children may use unmonitored computers in other locations, filtering or monitoring software is only one part of keeping our children safe on the Internet. Education and regular communication are even more important components of the total safety strategy. An excellent source of information for parents and teens is NetSmartz.

There are some simple family rules that parents and caregivers can set regarding Internet use.

• Just like time spent watching TV, time spent on the Internet should be considered “screen time,” and should be limited during the day. It should not take the place of homework, playing outside, activities, or time with friends.

• Children need to be taught that the people they talk to on-line may not be who they say they are. Adults may pretend to be young people.

• Children should also know that the information they share may not be private. Parents must teach their children the following essential rules about Internet communication.

• NEVER give out personal information or a credit card number without adult supervision.

• NEVER share passwords or arrange a face-to face meeting with someone they meet online.

• NEVER respond to messages that make you feel confused or uncomfortable, use bad or inappropriate language, or send hurtful messages. Tell a parent or trusted adult if you receive any messages that make you feel uncomfortable.

The Internet is a tool that provides a wealth of information and extraordinary opportunities for communication. Primary care providers and parents need to stay informed and educate children so they can remain safe when using this valuable resource.

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