Many parents today live in a “digital divide” — they want to protect their children from Internet dangers and pitfalls, but they are not sure what all the dangers are. Parents need to be armed with the best information and the best tools to guard the hearts and minds of their kids online.

Below are some links to help you get started.

. . . .

Free Resources:

The Internet is full of wonderful opportunities for kids and teens to learn, socialize, and develop technical skills, but there are also dangers that come with it. We recommend you start with these complimentary resources to learn more:

• Attend the online seminar, 5 Hidden Dangers Facing You and Your Family Right Now.
• Download the e-book, Parenting the Internet Generation.
• Subscribe to the monthly e-magazine, Pure Minds Online.

. . . .

Learn About the Dangers: The 3 C’s

When thinking about Internet dangers, remember the “3 C’s“: (1) inappropriate content, (2) inappropriate communications, and (3) inappropriate customs.

Inappropriate Content

Inappropriate content includes everything from pornography to profanity, from brutality to bulimia. Parents need to be able to control the content that comes into their home and keep the lines of communication open with their children about what they have seen and heard.

• Teens and Porn: 10 Stats You Need to Know
• Would You Give Your Kid a Stack of Porn Magazines?
• The Unfiltered Truth: Children Search for Pornography from an Early Age
• Surfing to Be Thin: Websites Lure Teens, Give Dangerous Advice on Anorexia, Bulimia
• iPorn: Are Your Kids At Risk?
• 6 Ways to Protect Your Kids on YouTube
• When Children View Pornography — A Guide for Parents

Inappropriate Communication

The Internet is a two-way street. Kids are not only exposed to content, they create it. Kids don’t just partake, they promote. The Internet is where kids and teens step out and socialize. While this can have great benefits, it is important for parents to know the dangers associated with it. Kids can give away too much or embarrassing information about themselves or others. Kids can be bullied by others. Kids can even interact with predators and others who mean to do them harm.

• What is Cyberbullying? — Tips for Concerned Parents
• Internet Predators 101: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Kids
• Are Sexting Teens Guilty of Making Child Porn?
• Podcast: When It Can’t Be Erased — Teen Web Identity and Online Social Blunders (8:56)
• Podcast: Massive Multiplayer Online Games — What Parents Need to Know (6:43)

Inappropriate Customs

Red letter dangers are easy to spot. But even when a child isn’t exposed to damaging content or communications, they can form unhealthy Internet habits. Teens can spend too much time online or become obsessed with their online image. This not only causes tensions at home, but also results in less time spent with family and other important activities.

• Three Ways to Help Your Teenager Avoid Facebook Addiction
• iSelf: How Online Identity May Indicate Bigger Problems In Your Teens
• How the Internet Challenges Traditional Parent-Child Roles
• Family Unplugged — How Technology Disconnects Us from Deep Relationships
• The Medium is the Message: The Subtle Danger of Too Much Time Online
• Texting Fever – Tips on Getting Teens to Look Up from Their Cell Phones

. . . .

Learn About the Solutions

A recent survey says over two-thirds of kids purposefully cover their tracks to make sure their parents won’t find out what they do online. John Mangelaars of Microsoft says, “It is incredibly important parents stay actively involved, talking regularly with their kids and using the parental technology tools that are available to them.”

• Accountability as a Lifestyle: The Next Generation
• Spying on Your Kids Online vs. Holding Them Accountable
• Are Internet Filters Simply Moralism?
• Podcast: “Battling Internet Pornography” – Interview with a Christian Counselor (7:41)
• Podcast: Albert Mohler Speaks to Parents about Internet Accountability in the Home (11:23)

. . . .

Get Covenant Eyes for Your Whole Family

Tens of thousands of families enjoy the protection Covenant Eyes provides them through their unique Web rating system, Accountability service, and Filtering program. Learn more about our services here.