Parents Amazed at Time Kids Spend Online – How to Help

The Norton online Family Report 2010 conducted by Symantec compared children’s online experiences to their parents assumptions. They found that children are spending on average 11.4 hours per week online which is 10 % up from last year.

20% of children said they felt embarrassed or regret something they have done online such as download a virus or stumble across nude images.It was found that just under 50 % of parents realise that their kids have negative experiences online.

The good news is that the study found that many children wanted more parental involvement.

My experience is that parents often feel inadequate to assist or monitor their children. I suggest to parents that while the medium is different, the principles of “stranger danger” are the same for every generation. Moreover, parents can empower their children to make good choices based on sound values. For instance, not damaging property is a sound value whether it applies to breaking furniture or sending viruses. Similarly, not looking at another person’s private parts is a sound value whether it involves kids at school or viewing it on the net.

Do not be afraid to educate your child in these values. It is as important as finding software to protect your child online. Keep discussions open and show you concern to your children.

I would love to hear your experience, please submit your comments here.