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Protecting Our Kids On The Internet / David McMillian, LPC, LMFT

Protecting Our Kids On The Internet / David McMillian, LPC, LMFT

Posted by: admin - April 26, 2010
                                                                       
                                                         Monday April 26, 2010 Column


Dear David,
We’re very concerned since the tragedy recently in our community involving the murder of the 12 year old young man.We have a 13 year old girl and an 11 year son, both of whom have computers in their rooms and cell phones with texting and internet access.We’ve been doing a lot of talking about what to do since all of this, but can’t seem to get in total agreement.I was hoping that maybe you could give us some unbiased suggestions.Our kids are responsible kids for their ages and both use the computer for school work.We certainly don’t want them to think they’re being punished or have done anything wrong, because they haven’t.We’d like your thoughts.
Concerned Parents  

Dear Concerned Parents,
Thank you for such an important and timely question and I’m glad you’ve become more concerned since the awful tragedy in our community a few weeks back.I would suggest some strong consideration in rethinking how much access your children have to the internet and where computers are located in your home. The fact is that many children know more about the internet than their parents do. This knowledge gap can keep parents in the dark about their kids’ online activities, so parents must be willing to learn as much as possible about where kids are going and what they’re doing in cyberspace. Consider that twenty percent of parents do not monitor their children’s use of the internet at all and only 52 percent of parents moderately supervise their children’s internet use. An estimated 62 percent of teens report that their parents know little or nothing about their web activities. Seventy-one percent of all parents stop monitoring their child’s use of the internet after the child turns 14, not knowing that 72 percent of all internet-related missing children are 15 years of age or older.

You can bet that internet predators know and take advantage of these statistics of children using the internet, so parents must dramatically increase their vigilance to protect their children.The key is to monitor your child’s internet activity. Make sure you and your child know what to watch out for on the web. Remember, because of the anonymity offered by the internet, people you meet online may not be who they claim to be. Insist that your children never share personal information about themselves on the internet.

Bossier City Marshall Johnny Wyatt and the Northwest Louisiana Internet Crimes against Children Task Force have developed a very informative web site to help both parents and children learn more about the internet. You’ll find the site at http://www.marshallsforkids.com/ .Among the important information that you’ll find there includes these facts:
  • 95% of parents didn't recognize the lingo kids use to let people know that their parents are watching.This web site has a section that can educate you on some of the current on-line lingo.
  • 89% of sexual solicitations are made in either chat rooms or Instant Messages
  • One of out of every five kids has received unwanted sexual solicitation online.
  • 75% of youth who receive an online sexual solicitation did not tell a parent.
  • 76% of parents don't have rules about what their kids can do on the computer.
  • 4,000,000 children are posting content to the Web everyday.
  • 15,000,000 youth use Instant Messages.
  • 73% of cases include multiple sexual encounters.
  • On average, 75% of residents live within one mile of a registered sex offender.
  • For the sex offender, the internet is the most effective tool ever invented.
  • 80% of children ages 7-18 receive inappropriate e-mail, instant messages or text messages on a daily basis.
  • On the internet, everyone's child is a target.
The internet is the perfect place for the child sex offender because it provides an unsupervised environment, instant gratification, and easy access. Of course the internet gives the opportunity for instant communication with children using e-mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, blogging, MySpace, and Facebook. Parents are encouraged to learn everything they possibly can about computers, the internet and related technology, develop proficiency through use and even ask children to demonstrate.Please remember however that one of the most important things for parents to do is to communicate with their children. Take the time to discuss your concerns with your children, agree on ground rules, understand their needs, and set reasonable expectations. The Task force encourages placing computers in a "well-trafficked" area, and not in a child's bedroom or a secluded area.Of course, some children will cry “foul” saying that we’re trying to control them, however I think it’s important that you’re clear in telling them that you are not trying to control them, but want to protect them.There are many other good suggestions available on the web site, so I encourage you to visit the site and use the information to protect your children.You can also call the task force at 318-741-8888. I’m told that they’re happy to come out and speak to groups and organizations and that parent questions and concerns are always welcomed.They can also give parents information regarding software available to monitor the sites and places that are being visited by your children.Again, thank you for this important and timely question.  

                                           

                                           
                                                                                
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