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My twin girls spend many hours on the computer doing what they say is schoolwork. How can I be sure that they are not engaging in harmful behaviors online?
You are right to be worried about the time your children spend online. In response to a growing concern, I asked my staff to launch a program in the spring to address this important issue of Internet safety. The Internet Safety program is an innovative, first-of-its-kind outreach program in Brooklyn’s public and private schools. A cadre of trained attorneys from my office who are knowledgeable about cyber-crimes are dispatched to schools throughout Brooklyn in order to educate administrators, teachers and children in these matters. If you have any questions or you wish to have my staff make a presentation to your school or PTA, please contact Frank Laghezza, my Special Counsel to the Schools, at 718-250-3073.
Parents have a very important role in helping to ensure their children’s safety on the Internet. I would like to share with you some simple things you can do immediately to keep your children safe.
1. Keep the computer in a common family room, not in your child’s bedroom.
2. Spend time with your child online. Learn about their favorite online destinations.
3. Make sure your child understands not to give out personal information on Web sites, chat rooms or social networking sites.
4. Talk to your children about what to do if they see something that makes them feel scared, uncomfortable or confused. Show them how to turn off the monitor. Emphasize that it is not their fault if they see something upsetting, and remind them to tell a trusted adult about what they have seen.
5. If someone is engaging in illegal activity online, such as threatening your child’s safety or exposing him/her to unnecessary danger, do not erase the offensive material - Report it to the police as soon as possible.
For additional information visit www.brooklynda.org. To have your questions answered in a future column, send them to asktheda@brooklynda.org. |
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