Do you know what your child is logging onto? Norton Family Onlinerecently released a study that found the 4th most popular search term for kids, even those 7 and under, was SEX or PORN. Geez Louise! What’s a parent to do?
Kathy Slattengren, founder of Priceless Parenting in Kenmore, Wash., says it’s a wakeup call for parents. Here’s what she suggests:
*If the kids are using search engines like Google, you might not ever know what they’re searching for, since searches won't show up in the browsing history.
There are lots of software programs that allow parents to see what their kids are searching for online. Get one and install it now.
*She says keep the computers in a public location in your home. Check in to see what the kids are doing.
*Have lots of conversations about what’s appropriate and what’s not. Encourage kids to think before they click.
*Keep in mind, kids have a gazillion ways to connect to the web these days including their phones, Nintendo DS, WII, and Ipods. So make sure you stay on top of all of them.
Check out Kathy's blog and her Priceless Parenting Web site for more information. You can watch Northwest Families Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. and Thursday at 8 a.m. on Northwest Cable News.
