Talking to our kids about internet safety is about as much fun as cleaning out our spam folder. No doubt about it – it isn’t fun. They’re bound to ask questions that we don’t like (or want) to answer.
But aren’t we the ones who always tell our kids “sometimes you have to do something even if you don’t like it”? This is our chance to walk the talk. Talking with our kids about Internet safety is important. It is up to us to tech them the Do’s and Don’ts of using the Internet.
One really great way to get the conversation rolling is to work together to create an Internet Safety Contract.
There is no single, right contract. The goal is to set and enforce rules that will keep our kids safer online. Below is an example of a contract both the parent and child will sign.
Every household will have different rules when it comes to device use. With older kids, it is a good idea to engage them in the discussion to help get buy-in for the Internet Safety Contract. You may be surprised by how strict they want to be with themselves!
Guidelines for an Internet Safety Contract
One thing to keep in mind when building your contract … it doesn’t always have to be words. If your child is a “visual learner,” pictures may be a better way to help them remember the rules. Click the image samples below to view them in a larger window.
Parental Prerogative. Some things are not up for negotiation. Make it clear that cyber bullying, sharing images, and sharing personal information will not be tolerated.
Hours of Use and Sharing. If there is only one computer and two kids, then everyone will need to agree to an appropriate arrangement. High school students may need the computer for homework, but so does your third grader. Let their schedules be your guide – the third grader goes to bed before your sophomore, so the third grader goes first – but also needs less time.
Distinguish Types of Use, too. Can the kids play games for 30 minutes before they start their homework? What about texting – can they have their phone with them while they’re doing class research?
Don’t Forget the Weekend! If you’re like most parents, you don’t want the kids to spend their entire day on the computer. How long is a weekend “session” and how long is the break between them? Are there chores to be done before they get on the computer? Do they have to earn weekend time. Each of those things should be spelled out.
Consequences! What happens when the rules are broken? In order for the contract to work, the consequences (and what triggers them) clear, and in writing. That eliminates negotiation and re-interpretation of the rules.
Make it Visible. Whether it is the background image for your kids’ computers or on the bulletin board in the kitchen, your contract needs to be someplace where everyone sees it. Regularly.
Set a Family Meeting. Over time, family life changes, and so do your kids’ Internet habits. It is a good idea to revisit the contract every three or four months. That way, as school gives way to summer, you can adjust the contract ahead of time!
Last but not least: a child’s greatest example is YOU! Be sure you follow a strict code of rules for yourself too. In order for your Internet Safety Contract to work, it is important that both you and your child understand the rules of the Information Superhighway.
Here are some resources to help get you started
- Make an Internet Use Agreement – GetNetWise.com
- Family Online Safety Contract – Family Online Safety Institute
- Family Contract for Online Safety – SafeKids.com
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