How Do I Help My Child Learn to Use the Internet Wisely?

By New York City Department of Education Staff

Improvements in technology occur constantly, and students often have more gadgets and devices than parents can count! The Internet is one example of improved technology. Finding the right balance between giving young people freedom to find helpful information and protecting children from potentially dangerous situations can be difficult.  Here are some tips from the DOE’s Office of Instructional Technology.

How can I supervise Internet use at home?

  • Put the computer in a public room where you can see the screen.
  • Set ground rules. Make sure your children understand the rules and agree to follow them.
  • Limit the amount of time students spend online. You may even set specific hours for use or insist that an adult be home.
  • Help your child select user-ID names that are appropriate and do not reveal personal information.
  • Know your child’s passwords and let him/her know that you will be checking websites and emails, including items moved to the “trash.”
  • Go online with your child to find appropriate sites.
  • Talk with your child about both the benefits and risks of Internet usage.
  • Become familiar with the parental controls (such as blocking and filtering) available through your Internet Service Provider.
  • Read the Privacy Policy of any site that asks your child for personal information.

How does the DOE supervise Internet use at school?

  • The DOE filters students’ Internet access, blocking undesirable and dangerous sites. The DOE constantly updates security controls for the instructional network and restricts access to non-DOE wireless networks.
  • The DOE has an Internet Acceptable Use Policy that outlines the responsibilities of users. The policy can be found online at http://schools.nyc.gov/Offices/Diit/internet/iaup.pdf.

What Are Some Possible Signs of Inappropriate Internet Use?

  • Your child spends a lot of time online or in chat rooms, especially at night.
  • Your child is secretive about what he/she is looking at online and quickly changes the site when you enter the room.
  • You find pornography stored on the computer or on diskettes.
  • Your child makes or receives calls from people you don’t know or numbers you don’t recognize.
  • Your child receives gifts or packages from people you don’t know.
  • Your child uses someone else’s email account.
  • Your child seems upset or withdrawn, especially after Internet use or when you question him/her about online activities.

Cyber Safety Resources

Excerpt from: Guide for Parents and Families 2006-2007