Today, computers are very common and can be seen in almost every house. Going online is natural for many people these days. Under such circumstances it becomes really very difficult to have a check on your kid’s computer use. Read on to learn the dangers of kids having unsupervised computer accessKids nowadays are inseparable from computers. They cling to computers not just to play games or watch videos, but also to interact socially and some log on to learn from international websites as well. Although, there are certain benefits of access to computer, but one should be aware of the dangers also. These involve personal risk of your child as well as risk involved for your machine. If you let your child have unsupervised
access to computers it will cause serious consequences.
With so many preschoolers and school going kids spending hours in front of computers, it is worth considering the dangers computer might have on your child’s eyes, performance and life. Your children might come across risks and potential dangers especially if you allow your child to have unsupervised access to computer and
internet. If you use computer at home and you have small kids you should be aware of the risks so that you create a
safe environment for your kid.
Dangers of Kids Using Unsupervised Computer Access
Here are common dangers which kids can face due to unsupervised computer use.
Exposure to Inapt Content
It could be objectionable images or language that you do not want your child to learn. In fact, it is very easy for your child to land on such sites if you do not keep a check on what and how your child makes use of the computer. Sometimes even if your child will search for something else, these sites might prop up that you would not like your child to see especially at tender age.
Bullying
Most often parents feel that
bullying is only possible when one interacts personally. But the fact is that today your child’s classmates can even turn to internet to bully your child. Surprisingly, online harassment is done in different ways and if you do not keep check, your child may join such site or get involved in any such group. Your child can be on any side of the picture.
Risk of Online Burglars
If a child uses computer on his own, his chances of hitting an online
burglar is very easy. Since you are not supervising, your child can give personal details and this will make easy for the burglar to reach out to you and your family.
Online Scams
It is one of the most obvious things we come across when using internet. These can be in the form of popup or through emails trying to get personal details. Your child will not understand what dangers are involved and how to distinguish scams and this might put him and your family on potential danger. He might use your credit card number or visit unreliable sites that may harm your computer with viruses. This will result in damage to computer or make you face financial consequences.
Computers are very important for children’s education and life. You cannot withhold your child. So, instead of asking or sitting with your child when he uses the computer, you can place the computer in your living room so that whenever your child uses it, you can have proper supervision. You can also install parental control software on your computer or block the unwanted sites in addition to that. Make sure your child shares everything seen, learned or gone through while being online. Apart from this, you should also take care of the eye and body position of your child while using computer so that his vision and posture does not get affected.
What is the right age to introduce computers and internet to children? How can parents supervise the computer usage in children? How to teach internet safety to children? Discuss here.