Surfing for Substances
Homework's not the only thing kids research online.
Potentially dangerous, mind-altering substances may be only a few clicks away. According to a recent study, many kids use the Web to look up information about drugs, and what they find online influences their attitudes toward using drugs. To reduce the risk of drug use, talk openly with your kids about the risks and take steps to filter out sites that promote illegal substance use.
The Internet is the Wild West of marketing, with very few restrictions on advertising, and access to sites that promote drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.
To keep tabs on your kid's online use, use your Internet provider's parental controls. If these aren't adequate, consider using a software program that allows you to block Web sites or monitor things like online messaging, chat rooms, and e-mail. Keep your computer in a central, visible location, and watch for suspicious behavior -- your child quickly exits a site or shuts down the computer as you walk in the room, for example. Draw up a written contract between you and your kids that clearly states the rules of online engagement. Explain the reasons for so many bothersome rules, and make sure they understand the dangers associated with the Web. By taking responsibility for your children's online computer use, you can greatly minimize any potential risks.
Remember, information and lessons about drugs are important enough to repeat frequently. So be sure to answer your children's questions as often as they ask them, and initiate conversation whenever the opportunity arises. If they have questions you can't answer, go online together. Seek accurate, reliable information, and help them distinguish fact from fiction.
