These days, almost everything we do involves the internet.
We shop and pay bills online.
It is almost a necessity to own a computer at home.
It is very helpful as it allows us to save time and energy in dealing with our daily tasks.
However, we might not be quite aware of the dangers the internet makes available for our children, most especially our teens.
They may be more susceptible to bullies and obscene insights in every click of the mouse.
They might not be fully aware of what bad things lurk in every corner of the electronic world.
We can guide them and help them without watching their every move.
Talk to your kids about the internet.
Sit them down over a glass of milk and some cookies and discuss it with them.
Inform them about social networks and teach them how to adjust the privacy or security settings in their accounts to avoid access from unwanted people.
Let them know about the importance of not letting strangers access their account and why they should not add anyone they do not really know.
It is also necessary to make them understand that though chat is a good way of communicating, make sure they know the person they are talking to and that the conversation doesn't go too far as to hurting their feelings or making them feel bad about themselves.
Install Parental Control software in your computer.
There are a lot available online and some are also available from internet service providers.
This can be customized by the parent to block unwanted sites and inappropriate content from being accessed by your kids.
Teach them the value of trust.
Tell them that you trust them to go around the internet as long as they don't go to sites that are not intended for them.
It may only be surfing but it comes with great responsibility.
Let them use the internet only when needed, like for projects or research.
Make them busy with other activities and let them join clubs to make them involved.
Put your computer in a room where there is always someone to guide them.
We recommend putting it in the living room or in the kitchen, where there is always someone around.
This will give you room to see what they are doing and it would make them cautious about what they are trying to access online.
The internet is very helpful.
Although eMonsters cannot be avoided, it can be prevented from reaching your children.
Most importantly, love your kids and give them time to build their self-esteem and to make them secure about themselves.
And with these in check, no eMonster can ever ruin your child's life.