Through the Internet, your child can have access to a vast array of science resources. Many of these resources are both educational and entertaining. Others, however, are inappropriate for children or provide inaccurate information. Here are some suggestions for helping your child use Internet resources appropriately.
- Monitor your child’s use of the Internet by visiting Web sites with her Check the kinds of information available to see if it is age-appropriate and the activities to see if they are dangerous or inaccurate.
- Look into software or online services that filter out offensive materials and sites. Options include stand-alone software that can be installed on your computer and devices that label or filter content directly on the Web. In addition, many Internet Service Providers and commercial online services offer site blocking, restrictions on incoming e-mail and children’s accounts that access specific services. Many of these can be obtained for free or for modest costs at your local electronics store.
- Make sure that your child knows not to give out personal information over the computer, such as his real name, phone number, address or computer password.
- Help your child to tell the difference between “real” science activities and information and advertisements for toys, kits and games.
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