Yes, there are benefits to your child using the Internet!

The Internet can be wonderful for kids. Yes, you read that right!  When used correctly, the Internet can also be a positive thing. Here’s our guide for parents on helping your child thrive online.

We live in a technology-advanced world

While you might be worried about the effect of modern technology on your children, the reality is they are growing up in a digital age where Google is the new encyclopedia and Facebook is the new meeting place. Carolyn Holgate, GM of MWEB Connect, South Africa’s leading Internet Service Provider, says that for parents who are not completely at ease with the Internet themselves, appreciating the value of it to their children can be difficult.

Knowledge at the click of a finger

The Internet offers an enormous amount of knowledge available easily and cheaply.  With proper supervision, understanding and safety measures in place, it can be one of the most powerful and valuable tools for building a solid educational foundation for your child, no matter what their age. The best way to get Internet access for your children at home is through a reliable and reputable Internet Service Provider, as such companies provide the necessary protection tools and services to keep your family safe online. For example, MWEB provides free virus and spam protection, as well as tools such as Web Filter to control the content that your kids can access on the Internet, giving you peace of mind.

The Internet can help your child excel in school

Kids are often required to do their own searches for information for projects, and while a physical library is still vitally important for knowledge gathering, getting to know one’s way around the Internet can be of enormous help for such assignments. Along with search engines like Google, educational websites like www.saeverything.co.za and the global encyclopaedia of www.britannica.com provide kids with the opportunity to do comprehensive research on topics being covered at school. These sites often include practical examples, worksheets and illustrations, which can help with information retention.

Technological communication skills

Besides being a powerful, useful and accessible resource for home learning, the Internet can also play a role in the development of social skills in preparation for adulthood.  Children today socialise with each other in new ways, such as through email, Facebook and instant messaging on cell phones.  While these forms of interaction should not replace human relationships, they can add to the experience and are likely to be a fact of life in their futures.

Teaching safe online social behaviour

Teach your children to practice “safe” online social behaviour. This would include being aware that people online may not be who they seem, and the possibility exists for people to misrepresent themselves.

• Children should also never give out any identifying information like an address, phone number, photos or school name in public messages such as chat rooms or forums, and never reply to any e-mails, chat messages, or forum items that make them feel uncomfortable.
• Spend time with your children online to familiarise yourself with what the Internet can offer and to have a balanced approach when it comes to monitoring your child’s time online.
• Keep a close eye and monitor the sites they visit.  Set clear usage rules and ensure the computer is visible from where you are, an ideal area to set up your computer is in the living room.
• Ensure that you put the correct safety measures in place to protect them against threats and start enjoying this powerful source of learning.
• Copying verbatim or plagiarism is something to be avoided at all costs, so ensure your child understands how to credit any online source by copying and pasting the link to their project reference list.