RULES FOR THE VIRTUAL PLAYGROUND
MOUSE OR MONSTER: The Internet is the tool that has become almost indispensable.
But how does one safe guard children from its danger? Shaheena Reports...
12 year old Mehak told her mother Priti, executive vice president, of a big communication co., New Delhi, that she has been ‘tagged’ and was part of a group on the Internet.
That would chat regularly, swap information and photographs.
Even though telecom is her business, Priti needed an explanation of what a ‘tag’ email was, so that she cud educate her daughter to not b a part of the chain.
11 year old Mumbai based Anand * wasn’t fazed when his efforts to download extremely ‘streamy’ pictures of Paris Hilton from the internet failed b’cos of the firewall Install by his dad Summit*.He got a video from the schoolmate and downloaded it on to his computer. He knew about sex and Paris Hilton***
THE BIG BAD WEB:
This is the virtual world that offers up the most unwelcome unseen dangers to children.
Studies have shown that they are targeted by pedophiles, stalkers and strangers in chat rooms, are exposed to spam, porn and other Inappropriate material, and also tricked into downloading viruses and spy where over the Internet.
A nationwide survey in the U.S. Showed that 6 out of 10 on line teens had received an email instant message from perfect stranger, and unfortunately, 63% of them had responded. Worst, one in five young people had reported receiving and online sexual solicitation or approach shockingly, one out of three kids in the U.S. and one out of seven in the U.K. had fallen victim.
While there have been no surveys in India, cyber crime is increasing with the 38.6% rise in 2005 as compared to the previous year, according to the national crime records bureau (NCRB) reports.
COMMUNICATE CONNECT AND EDUCATE
Since one can not outlaw the Internet- research material on disappearing polar bears the Onam festival or the lyrics of ‘Santa comes to town’ began available at the click of the mouse – how do u ensure online safety for your child?
Disconnecting the internet connection is not the answer, says doctor Ekta soni, senior clinical psychologist U don’t have to b so punitive and place Ur child out of reach of her pear group u have to allow her some freedom but defiantly with monitoring, time limits and certain rules and regulations.
The best way is to communicate with ur child and develop a healthy relationship with her.
U can not take extreme steps bcos that would only mean the child would access the Internet at a cyber café or somewhere else. There has to b a balance, a communication pattern developed to help guide children through the rights or wrong of Internet using.
Explain about unauthorized sites, chat room rules where they should only talk to friends they know very well.
The internet after all, has educative benefits.
What u has to do is to establish a negotiable board with firm line drawn on Internet usage including timing.
If required, get some sites barred to reduce distraction for kids”, doctor soni.”
Communicating with once child is vital; agree internet experts and social workers.
And that exactly what the parents of the children who had had a bad experience did.
“all the ‘net nannies’ in the world wont make a difference if u don’t take your child into confidence,” says Madhvi, who told her daughter of the dangers online without exaggerating or over protecting her.
Summit did not immediately play the high handed father.
In a long chat with his son, he “managed to convince him that Paris Hilton and Britney Spears are uncool. Why not listen to hard rock instead?
Internet tools can b installed”, he concedes, “but they can also be circumvented.
Explaining to him in a sensible manner has been more effective.”
Priti says she tries to find out casually what her daughter Mahak does on the net, who her email friends are and the dangers of a ‘tagged’ group. Schools should educate kids in the absence of regulations, she feels.11 year old Sonya was once chatting on the internet when someone unknown came online she replied and told her parents about it. It was a good opportunity for her mother Renuka, who runes windows – art and craft corner, Delhi, to explain to her the dos and don’ts on internet usage.” We have told her we place our trust in her and she hasn’t let us down” Renuka says. She and her husband has also installed the necessary protective software and regularly checked the history of where their daughter has been on the net.But what has really worked is, " keeping communication open;today she uses the Internet only for school projects".
IN THE VIRTUAL PLAYGROUND
Just as real life has its strengers and stalkers who should be avoided vertual reality too needs too have the same rules, pointsout textile artist Anrag his son Varun, 13, and daugter Maya, 12 are allowed an hour each on the computer;most of it is supervised since the computer is in the master bedroom. "We talk at dinner time. We discuss things at their level and explain why something can and cannot be done." Anurag says.
Another friend of mine Rena, who is about to get an internet connection at home says she had educated her 13 year old son of its danger.” how long can u play policeman? he knows not to chat with strangers or access sites that are not school projects – related. And he tells us everything.”
Once one communicates and control sensibly, the internet need not be a bogey to b feared.
Written and posted By:Shaheena
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