 |
|
1-888-632-5353
M-F 8 AM - 9 PM EST
|
|
is Searching for
Plans in ZIP Code
|
Sorry, that ZIP code
was not found.
Try Again
|
|
|
is Searching for
Dentist in ZIP Code
|
|
|
you are here: DentalPlans.com > Dental Health Articles > Consumer > Parents Get Control of What Your Kids Do Online
| |
|
|
|
Updated: 9/9/2008 6:00:09 PM |
|
|
(ARA) - You wouldn't allow your child to leave the house for hours with strangers and not know where they're going, right? If you are not monitoring the online activities of your child, that's exactly what you're doing. The Internet can be like another world - it's filled with valuable information, but also rife with danger. So, how do you know if your child is in trouble online and what can you do about it?
When your children come home from school, they tell you everything is fine. But maybe your son's day is filled with stress and anxiety because he's being harassed by classmates over e-mail and instant messaging. Your daughter may be withdrawing because she's communicating with a much older man online and he's pressuring her to meet in person. Drugs, alcohol, violence, pornography, music or software pirating, online predators, bullying and even credit card abuse are all dangers kids face when they use the Internet.
Here are some important signs parents should look for:
* The child spends an increasing amount of time online.
* Your child is withdrawing from his usual activities, starts acting or dressing very differently.
* Chronic misbehavior at home or in school and declining grades.
* Your child's behavior is becoming increasingly secretive. You notice him clicking out of Web sites when you enter the room and he talks to or texts people you've never heard him mention before.
What can you do to stem this behavior or, better yet, make sure it does not become an issue for your family?
* Make sure all computers are located in a central room of the house where all family members have access to them.
* Talk to kids regularly about the dangers of online predators and how their behavior online can have real consequences.
* Set ground rules and enforce them. Place limits on the time kids can spend online and make it clear you will not tolerate certain online behavior.
* Invest in good parental control/monitoring software to record and control your child's PC activity.
WebWatcher is a Web-based, totally invisible computer monitoring/parental control software that helps you protect your kids from Internet dangers. The software not only records e-mails and instant messages sent and received, it can also block any offensive or unwanted Web sites and applications - and your child will never know you installed it if you don't wish to tell them.
Today's Internet-savvy kids can easily get around standard blocking software and, while you may know about their MySpace or Facebook page, you likely won't know about the second social networking page they set up for their eyes only. In years past, you could look out the window and see who your kids were hanging out with, but today those online communications can be invisible. With WebWatcher, you can keep a virtual eye on your children, help protect them and better understand their issues.
ARA Content
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The materials and articles published on DentalPlans.com are for informational purposes only. Although DentalPlans.com strives to be accurate and complete, the information is provided without liability for errors. DentalPlans.com does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information, text graphics, links, or other items contained on DentalPlans.com.
DentalPlans.com expressly disclaims liability for errors or omissions in these materials and DentalPlans.com makes no commitment to update the information on DentalPlans.com.
DentalPlans.com expressly disclaims all liability for the use or interpretation by others of information on DentalPlans.com. Decisions based on information contained on DentalPlans.com are the sole responsibility of the visitors, and visitors agree to hold DentalPlans.com and its Affiliates harmless against any claims for damages arising from decisions visitors make on such information.
Nothing on DentalPlans.com constitutes medical advice or other forms of advice. DentalPlans.com assumes no responsibility for material created or published by third parties linked to DentalPlans.com with or without DentalPlans.coms knowledge.
|
|
| |
|
|
The DENTALPLANS.COM website is administered by DENTALPLANS.COM, INC., a licensed Florida Discount Medical Plan Organization, 8100 S.W. 10th Street Suite #2000, Plantation, FL 33324. Plans and Programs offered by DentalPlans.com are not health insurance policies. Plans and Programs offered by DentalPlans.com provide discounts at certain health care providers for medical services. Plans and Programs offered by DentalPlans.com do not make payments directly to the providers of medical services. The Plan or Program member is obligated to pay for all health care services but will receive a discount from those health care providers who have contracted with the Plan, Program or discount plan organization.
|
Special promotions including but not limited to additional months free and Membership Rewards® points from American Express are not available to California residents.
© 1999-2011 DentalPlans.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Patents Pending. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. |
 
|
|
| |
|  |