Taming the Technology Monster in Your Home
September 20, 2009
In the not so distant past, the number one internet safety rule was this: Keep the computer in a central location in your home. If we applied this rule in our home, our living would be the storage location for: 5 laptops, 5 mobile phones, and an Xbox 360. Things have changed.
Mobile computing is here. Schools commonly distribute or require laptops as part of the curriculum and many teens carry Iphones or smart phones that possess all the capabilities of a laptop. Centralized computing is not realistic.
So, what is parent to do to tame the technology monster in the home?
Action 1: Answer the question “What kind of supervision does my child need at this stage in life?”
The answer will depend on the age, maturity and circumstances of each individual child.
There many options available for managing technology in the home now.
- Internet providers like Cox Communications provide Parental Controls at the internet service level.
- Computer operating systems like Windows provides user level control (time limits) for internet safety.
- There are numerous software programs available for purchase that enable you to set boundaries on when and where your child can go on the internet. (Filters and Time Boundaries)
- There are software programs that allow you to virtually look over the shoulder of your child when they are on the computer in another room. (Monitoring in real time or Recording for later Review)
- And, last but not least, you can establish family guild that provide a system of protection for kids. Rules should address time limits, respect of others, responsibility, privacy, and integrity. See the Family Guidelines Tip for more info.
Action 2: Which options will you select to provide a safe mobile computing environment in your home?
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