SPRINGFIELD, Missouri (KY3) – Children have more access to the Internet than ever before, so it is important to ensure their safety when using the Internet.
Dr. Nichole Lemmon of Springfield Public Schools says it’s important to monitor what your kids are doing online.
“I think the most important thing we have to remember is that our children need to be supervised by parents and that the device they are using actually belongs to you, the parents. Remembering that and being aware of that is the very first thing we talk to parents about how to protect their children online. Remember that you are responsible for that device,” said Dr. Lemmon.
A good start is to limit device use to public areas. Also consider using parental controls.
“My favorites are limiting the amount of time a device is used, so turning it off at a certain time of day, or limiting app downloads if it’s used up too much time. So I have to enter my passcode for the device to download that, and then limiting contacts, so again I have to approve who gets added to that device. And that’s all built in and doesn’t require any additional subscription fees,” Dr. Lemmon said.
There are good and bad reasons for letting children online. You should always remember that you don’t know who is on the other end of the device.
“The bad side is that you’re basically letting the whole world into your home and into your child’s life. And the more you can control that a little bit and slow that down a little bit, the better we can protect our children. We don’t know who’s on the other end of the device,” Dr. Lemmon said.
And remember: It’s okay to be the parent and not the friend.
“I really want to tell parents that it’s OK to set boundaries for their kids. It’s OK to say, ‘I don’t want you to have this app,’ and if it makes you an uncool parent, then you’re probably doing your job today,” Dr. Lemmon said.
Remember, it’s OK to use controls and keep a balance. Children can use the internet, but it’s important to stay safe.
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