The world is out to get your kids.
Not really, but some days it seems that way. A recently conducted internet sting operation netted 25 alleged offenders locally, although more than 100 people responded to the Internet ads created for the purpose of soliciting sex with a minor. When moms sit around and discuss these things, it always leads back to the question, "What is the world coming to?"
Well, thanks to the Internet, it's coming to you. Our home computers and hand-held devices have given us the mixed blessing of instant gratification. If you want to see a replay of the last 35 seconds of last year's LSU - Florida game or find the name of the actress who played Brigid O'Shaughnessy in "The Maltese Falcon" (Mary Astor) all you have to do is hit a few keystrokes and "Whoomp!" there it is. How can such a resource be evil?
And yet, there are people out there who are ready to take a good thing and use it to access our innocent children. So what can we do to keep our children safe?
The answer: nothing. Well, I guess you could staple them to the sofa or lock them in a box. But the idea that you are going to "keep" them from anything is not realistic. Even if you don't have Internet access in your home, the Web is available in most schools, at friends' houses, even at the public library. The best thing you can do is to alert your children to the dangers that exist and teach them to think for themselves. You also can set some rules in your home that will help your children to be mindful of their own safety.
? Keep the computer out in the open. Ours sits in the living room, and when Engine No. 9 wants to look at the "Silly Cats" video for the nine-millionth time, we're right there with her. "But wait, Mom, look at THIS one. You haven't seen THIS one."
? "Stranger Danger" applies online, too. If it's not someone you know personally, like a friend from school or a relative, or if you're not sure, then don't talk to them. Don't open an email from them. Call Mom or Dad to check it out.
? Don't share passwords with anyone but Mom and Dad.
? Limit the amount of time spent online. The computer is not a babysitter, and all that time that your child spends drawing lines for dancing penguins is time that they could spend reading a book, throwing a ball or talking to you.
? This brings me to our last rule: Talk to each other. A lot. Sure, you may get the eye roll and the "I know, Mom!" But, believe me, good communication between you and your child makes all the difference.
Spend your online time chatting with moms like you at www.Pensacola.MomsLikeMe.com.
