Read a report on MarketingVOX today that said 1 in 5 teens sends sexually explicit pics over the 'Net and even more send explicit emails and texts. I realize this is dealing with teens, but those 13 year olds just left childrens ministry. What are you doing to address these current issues? Please see our other posts on training kids and parents on how to use the Internet appropriately! Start them young!
See the full post here. It's sad.
Showing posts with label Internet safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Internet safety. Show all posts
1.07.2009
8.22.2008
WSJ Reports on Dangers for Kids in Cyberspace
Do we know what our kids are doing online? New research from the Rochester Institute of Technology suggests that we don’t—not really. The study, which looked at the habits of 40,000 kids in K-12th grade, outlines a number of surprising trends.
One of the biggest misconceptions, according to lead researcher Sam McQuade, of the RIT’s Center for Multidisciplinary Studies in Rochester, N.Y., is that the main risk to kids is adult sexual predators lurking in chat rooms. In reality, he says, the majority of “cyber offenses” are perpetrated by the kids’ peers. “Today’s paradigm is kids exploiting kids online,” said Dr. McQuade at a panel discussion this week in New York.The study found that 48% of K-1st grade children interact with people online, and that so-called “cyberbullying” (where kids are mean to one another via instant messaging, email and such) starts as early as the 2nd grade. It might be hard to imagine how kids that young get exposed to that kind of interaction, but if they are playing Webkinz or other games on a parent’s or older sibling’s computer, the possibility exists.
Dr. McQuade says the research—which was funded in part by Symantec Corp., maker of Norton computer-security products—shows that parents cannot just “rely on echnological fixes,” such as porn-blocking software, to police kids’ online activities. The growth of mobile technology such as Web-enabled cellphones means that children can get online anywhere (with a friend’s device, if they don’t have one of their own).
Vanessa Van Petten, a young woman on the panel who authored a book and writes a blog about teen-parent relationships, says that simply banning computers isn’t practical, and advises parents to teach kids skills to handle the online world. It’s “just as important as the sex talk,” she said.
Do parents in your ministry realize how easily it is for kids to access the web? Do they realize the line is blurring between online and offline worlds? If you haven't already, check out some earlier posts on Internet Safety for tips on training parents.
Article courtsey of Wall Street Journal 8.22.08
6.10.2008
How You Can Train Parents and Kids
As a children’s leader, here are 3 great ways YOU can train both parents and kids in your ministry!
Host an FAQ Night for Parents
(That’s Frequently Asked Questions.) Have parents submit questions in advance, and ask your friendly techie (or teenager) to spend an evening answering them. Based on the questions, an informative presentation could be easily compiled, with demonstrations and examples.
Teach Internet Safety in Your Ministry
Reinforce at church what parents are trying to teach their kids at home. We’ve made it easy for you to teach Internet safety during any HighPoint kit with a FREE Hub Time lesson that focuses on making good choices on the Internet. Download it here! Use it with any HighPoint kit--we suggest kits like Everyday Choices, Responsibility, or Truth & Consequences. Don't forget to download the parent letter as well, so parents know what you have been disussing and what they need to discuss at home!
Another great tool to try is NetSmartz®. Age-appropriate, kid-friendly presentations teach about possible dangers while acknowledging the Internet’s usefulness and fun. Visit http://www.netsmartz.org/.
NetConnect: Start a Small Group for Parents About the Internet
It’s a great way to connect parents struggling with similar questions. Use a book such as Internet Protect Your Kids to equip parents.
Do you teach Internet safety in your ministry already? What methods do you use? What works? What doesn't?
Host an FAQ Night for Parents
(That’s Frequently Asked Questions.) Have parents submit questions in advance, and ask your friendly techie (or teenager) to spend an evening answering them. Based on the questions, an informative presentation could be easily compiled, with demonstrations and examples.
Teach Internet Safety in Your Ministry
Reinforce at church what parents are trying to teach their kids at home. We’ve made it easy for you to teach Internet safety during any HighPoint kit with a FREE Hub Time lesson that focuses on making good choices on the Internet. Download it here! Use it with any HighPoint kit--we suggest kits like Everyday Choices, Responsibility, or Truth & Consequences. Don't forget to download the parent letter as well, so parents know what you have been disussing and what they need to discuss at home!
Another great tool to try is NetSmartz®. Age-appropriate, kid-friendly presentations teach about possible dangers while acknowledging the Internet’s usefulness and fun. Visit http://www.netsmartz.org/.
NetConnect: Start a Small Group for Parents About the Internet
It’s a great way to connect parents struggling with similar questions. Use a book such as Internet Protect Your Kids to equip parents.
Do you teach Internet safety in your ministry already? What methods do you use? What works? What doesn't?
6.03.2008
High-Tech Family Bonding -- Part 3: Seven Essentials to Keep Kids Safe Online
Essential #5: Dialogue About the Issues
Plenty of stories are in the news about people who abused the Internet and got into serious trouble. You might share some of those stories with your kids. Also, children need to understand the dangers, so have conversations about your concerns. Don’t make the whole dialogue negative however. There are plenty of positive ways to take advantage of the Internet. Discuss those with your kids as well.
Leader Tip: Having your own ministry website is a great way to direct kids to fun, safe things to do on the Internet. Get step-by-step instructions for setting one up right here--just scroll down the page!
Essential #6: Use Technology to Build Relationship With Your Kids
Sending email to your children can open dialogue that you might not have otherwise. The same is true for using text messages on a cell phone. Kids today love to communicate using technology. You can join in the communication by understanding how the various tools work and then using them to interact with your kids. Keep in mind though, that technology can’t take the place of personal face-to-face contact with your children. Take your child out for ice cream or sit on the couch and talk. The Internet has a lot of advantages in our society, but nothing takes the place of spending time together.
Leader Tip: Send out a weekly email to the kids in your ministry reminding them of upcoming events, the week’s memory verse—even invite them to respond with questions or ways they are applying the week’s lesson.
Do you have a ministry website? Do you communicate with your kids via email? Would you be willing to give it a try? Leave comments!
Plenty of stories are in the news about people who abused the Internet and got into serious trouble. You might share some of those stories with your kids. Also, children need to understand the dangers, so have conversations about your concerns. Don’t make the whole dialogue negative however. There are plenty of positive ways to take advantage of the Internet. Discuss those with your kids as well.
Leader Tip: Having your own ministry website is a great way to direct kids to fun, safe things to do on the Internet. Get step-by-step instructions for setting one up right here--just scroll down the page!
Essential #6: Use Technology to Build Relationship With Your Kids
Sending email to your children can open dialogue that you might not have otherwise. The same is true for using text messages on a cell phone. Kids today love to communicate using technology. You can join in the communication by understanding how the various tools work and then using them to interact with your kids. Keep in mind though, that technology can’t take the place of personal face-to-face contact with your children. Take your child out for ice cream or sit on the couch and talk. The Internet has a lot of advantages in our society, but nothing takes the place of spending time together.
Leader Tip: Send out a weekly email to the kids in your ministry reminding them of upcoming events, the week’s memory verse—even invite them to respond with questions or ways they are applying the week’s lesson.
Do you have a ministry website? Do you communicate with your kids via email? Would you be willing to give it a try? Leave comments!
5.27.2008
Part 2: Seven Essentials to Keep Kids Safe Online
Essential #3: Install a Filter or Some Other Safeguard Program
Filters provide the safeguard of preventing access to offensive sites. Most filters allow you to choose the degree of filtering based on the age of the child. Install the filter and make sure that it is not being violated with some kind of technological work around.
Leader Tip: The National Center for Biblical Parenting offers a unique Internet protection program that functions differently than a filter and is very safe for kids. Click here to check out Noah’s Internet for more info.
Essential #4: Set Up Family Computer Rules
The needs, age, development, character, and maturity of each child should be taken into account as you set up guidelines for computer use. Some children shouldn’t be on the computer at all because they aren’t responsible enough to handle it. This doesn’t just involve visiting forbidden sites but also means wasting time or being consumed by particular games or entertainment. Computer addiction can start very young, so setting firm limits is essential for balance in a child’s life. Set up appropriate boundaries for your children and a system for monitoring them. Some computer safety programs have built-in timers that allow parents to set limits on a child’s computer time. Be ready to adjust the boundaries and guidelines based on a number of factors. If the child is not being responsible in other areas of family life, is getting poor grades, or is developing some attitude issues, computer time may need to be reduced.
Leader Tip: Click here to download the Family Internet Contract to share with parents. This will help parents establish ground rules about what is and isn't acceptable with regards to the Internet.
Do you use filters on computers at church? At home? Do you have kids who are already addicted to the Internet? Leave comments!
Filters provide the safeguard of preventing access to offensive sites. Most filters allow you to choose the degree of filtering based on the age of the child. Install the filter and make sure that it is not being violated with some kind of technological work around.
Leader Tip: The National Center for Biblical Parenting offers a unique Internet protection program that functions differently than a filter and is very safe for kids. Click here to check out Noah’s Internet for more info.
Essential #4: Set Up Family Computer Rules
The needs, age, development, character, and maturity of each child should be taken into account as you set up guidelines for computer use. Some children shouldn’t be on the computer at all because they aren’t responsible enough to handle it. This doesn’t just involve visiting forbidden sites but also means wasting time or being consumed by particular games or entertainment. Computer addiction can start very young, so setting firm limits is essential for balance in a child’s life. Set up appropriate boundaries for your children and a system for monitoring them. Some computer safety programs have built-in timers that allow parents to set limits on a child’s computer time. Be ready to adjust the boundaries and guidelines based on a number of factors. If the child is not being responsible in other areas of family life, is getting poor grades, or is developing some attitude issues, computer time may need to be reduced.
Leader Tip: Click here to download the Family Internet Contract to share with parents. This will help parents establish ground rules about what is and isn't acceptable with regards to the Internet.
Do you use filters on computers at church? At home? Do you have kids who are already addicted to the Internet? Leave comments!
5.20.2008
Seven Essentials to Keep Kids Safe Online, Part 1
Essential #1: Put the Computer in a Public Place
Children should not have private access to the Internet. The computer should be kept in a place where Mom or Dad can walk by and see what’s going on. Privacy is a privilege, not a right. Children on the Internet are faced with new and challenging temptations, so close monitoring is essential. Parents should be able to read email and review sites the child has visited. Keep in mind that in this age of wireless Internet access, a child with a computer in a bedroom may have access to the Internet through the neighbor’s system.
Essential #2: Establish Accountability
Kids need to know that what they are doing on the computer is being watched. It’s amazing how easily kids will say things through their fingers that they wouldn’t consider saying in person. Foul language and explicit discussion about sex are prevalent in online dialogue between young people today. Look at the history of the sites your kids have visited. If they’re erasing their history, you can assume something is wrong and take action accordingly. Read the emails they receive and send. You don’t have to do this secretly. Your child should know accountability is required for Internet use. If you’re not savvy with a computer, have a friend check the computer for you.
Leader Tip: While you can’t go around checking the computers of the kids in your ministry, you can keep your ears open for what kids are talking about. Hearing what kids are doing will help you determine where kids and parents need more education.
So what are your kids talking about? Are you already hearing discussions about things they do on the Internet? What websites are they interested in? Do you see the Internet as a danger for kids? Leave comments and questions--we can help each other.
To read part 2, click here.
Children should not have private access to the Internet. The computer should be kept in a place where Mom or Dad can walk by and see what’s going on. Privacy is a privilege, not a right. Children on the Internet are faced with new and challenging temptations, so close monitoring is essential. Parents should be able to read email and review sites the child has visited. Keep in mind that in this age of wireless Internet access, a child with a computer in a bedroom may have access to the Internet through the neighbor’s system.
Essential #2: Establish Accountability
Kids need to know that what they are doing on the computer is being watched. It’s amazing how easily kids will say things through their fingers that they wouldn’t consider saying in person. Foul language and explicit discussion about sex are prevalent in online dialogue between young people today. Look at the history of the sites your kids have visited. If they’re erasing their history, you can assume something is wrong and take action accordingly. Read the emails they receive and send. You don’t have to do this secretly. Your child should know accountability is required for Internet use. If you’re not savvy with a computer, have a friend check the computer for you.
Leader Tip: While you can’t go around checking the computers of the kids in your ministry, you can keep your ears open for what kids are talking about. Hearing what kids are doing will help you determine where kids and parents need more education.
So what are your kids talking about? Are you already hearing discussions about things they do on the Internet? What websites are they interested in? Do you see the Internet as a danger for kids? Leave comments and questions--we can help each other.
To read part 2, click here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)