Personally and professionally I have had a pretty stellar week. To start with, my little red haired boy has started talked in phrases, climbing everything, and has become very independent. Today at work I was actually singing the song that his Fisher-Price vacuum sings, "I'm gonna clean the house today do-dah, do-dah". He LOVES that darn thing. I am even getting him a child sized broom for Easter. I hope his love of cleaning and helping continues well into his teens.(Fingers crossed.) He also did something truly profound. He said, "I love you" after I said I said it and he's continued to say it. Loud and clear. (Loud like his mama.) Ahh - he's growing up so fast.
I welcome all these changes. They are incredible. However, he is growing up fast and as a responsible parent I want to prepare myself for him becoming a big boy. I do not plan to be surprised when he wants to actually use my cell phone as a technology device instead of a play phone to call grammy. I am may be a bit old school, but I think that a person's privacy is important and that includes eager children wanting to have Facebook and Instagram accounts. As much as I enjoy social media, I too want to maintain my privacy. However, I am an adult. I know right from wrong, I know how important being safe in the Internet is, and I do not over share with strangers or friends, Online. Our children NEED to be taught right from wrong in the physical and digital world. I feel strongly that over sharing and posting provocative pictures, quotes, and opinions, is is tacky. However, when children post personal information on the Internet, it may not only be tacky, but it is extremely dangerous. Unlike eager to please children who are not always aware of their actions, adults have a responsibility to be knowledgeable parents, role models, and guardians when it comes to Online safety. So let me ask you, what are you sharing Online?
Have you seen that commercial where the little boys dad tries to give him the keys to a real car as the little boy is playing in his toy car? The little boy has to think about it and consider if the decision would he good or bad. Would you put your five year old in real car? I sure wouldn't. So why would you let your children go play on a vast and unknown place filled with danger, strangers, and violence? When you let children go Online you could be putting them in danger IF you or them are unaware of how to be safe Online.
I urge you to visit the Net Smartz web page that is partnered with the Center for Missing and Exploited Children.. This webgage has resources for teachers, parents and guardians, tweens, law enforcement, and kids. The information is reliable, easy to access and proven to be successful as a tool to teach Internet safety. I am not here to argue as to whether or not your child should be on the Internet. I am here to tell you that when they are on the Internet they need to be safe. Your actions and teaching should speak loudly and clearly. Lead by example.
If your child, like mine, tells you "I love you" then show them and teach them that you love them back...by being a responsible adult who leads by example. Show them the I Love Yous by being involved in their day to day life in person and Online and set guidelines and boundaries for safety and privacy on the Internet. This might even be a good time for you to check your own Online activity and the privacy settings on your favorite social media websites.
5 Things Children Should Never Share Online
- Your full name
- Home address
- Social security number
- Name of school, mascot, or location
- Pictures or photos of myself or my family
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