Parenting Online Children: Myths and Recommendations 

There is plenty of scaremongering and advice around regarding the dangers of children being online and the steps parents should and should not take to cope with that. It can be hard for any parent to know how they should react and what they should think about their child's life online.

Recently, a massive research study was conducted across Europe by the London School of Economics. A comprehensive report was produced, as well as a more condensed list of the top ten myths about children's internet safety. Sonial Livingstone, the director of the study's agency, was interviewed by DML Central about the "Risks, Opportunities and Realities of Children's Internet Usage."  An excellent summary was posted on the MindShift blog.

There is a wealth of information and advice for parents and it would be worthwhile for any parent to read the full report as well as the summary of myths.

 Meanwhile, here are some of their main recommendations for parents:

• Don't make assumptions about your child's knowledge. Just because they use cellphones, Facebook and computers all the time, young people are not necessarily more savvy about all aspects of technology. Help your children manage their time, navigate the sites and information online, avoid dangers and manage problems.
• Instead of relying on supervision (putting the computer in the living room), parents should get involved: get online, ask your childrena about the internet, share activities, etc. Get involved in your child's life - just as you get involved in their sports & other activities and with their local friends, so should you get involved in their online life.
• Risk is not the same as harm - instead of worrying about what the potential risks are to your child, you should guide your children to minimise, avoid and handle harmful situations and activities. In fact, often greater risk means less harm: children who know more about the internet and online activities will do more (therefore taking greater risks), but will know about threats and how to avoid and minimize danger (therefore coming to less harm).