Curbs on the surf

theSun, Tues, 15 July 2008

Surfing on the Net for children, like playing in any open field, requires parental supervision

COMPUTER knowledge is a necessity these days. Children as young as three or four years old are being taught the basics in pre-school.
There is much to be gained by children from knowing how to use the computer and Internet. The Net provides unlimited resources to information and communication, and diverse learning experiences such as problem-solving, information-gathering, analyses and communication skills.

For example, children can get help with schoolwork by using online encyclopaedias. They can learn how to read and practise math problems from websites offering such resources. They can also visit online museums, art galleries, read e-books, create scrapbooks, write their own stories, and get ideas for art and craft projects.

Parents must, however, bear in mind that computers and the Internet are merely tools that help their children and can only be effective if used well.
Therefore, strong parental guidance and adequate supervision are required to ensure that children benefit positively from this medium of learning.

But bear in mind that children still need personal attention from teachers and parents. They learn best when their interests and achievements are encouraged and acknowledged.

Being glued to the computer does not make a child brilliant. He needs to balance it with outdoor activities, and interaction with friends and family to become an all-rounded person.

As computer literacy skills are increasingly expected of the present and future generations, more parents are allowing children reasonable freedom in using the computer and Internet.

This can pose a hazard for families when it goes unchecked. Some chatrooms, newsgroups, and websites have violent, disturbing, pornographic, and other inappropriate material for children.

Children may stumble upon such sites when doing a search using search engines that seldom filter these out. When older children tread into chatrooms, they could inadvertently give out personal information that could put them at risk when they meet odd characters and dangerous people.

There are many software programs available to control access to the computer and all of its functions such as the Internet, programs, games, etc. Some online services and Internet service providers allow parents to limit their children’s access to certain services and features.

Other ways to filter and control what children can access online include spam filters and rating systems. Internet browsers can be set to only allow children to visit sites that are rated at the level that the parents specify. Using such software or services enables you to leave your children on their own in the knowledge that they are using the computer safely.

But in the end, what’s best is still parental involvement. Be in touch with what your children are doing online … and offline as well!