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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Is it too early for my child to start using the internet?

    Related Topics
    Parenting Parenting Big Kids (5-8)
    In our generation, we didn't use the internet til later in our teens… these days I know kids have smart phones and access to the internet… but is age 8 a bit too early?
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  • Karen Amos

    Counsellor, Personal Trainer

    Walk and Talk is just what you need to begin living a life that you love. I'm Karen Amos and at Walk and Talk Australia … View Profile

    Having children of my own who fall into that age bracket, has provided us with a steep learning curve on internet security and boundaries with children.  In fact, our first horror experience happened when our son was 8 and researching for a school project.  He simply followed the links and before he knew it (and us) he was on a yellow brick road to sites unseen.

    Since then we have made a number of changes, including not being so naive.  We have:

    1. tightened internet security
    2. set boudaries with our children regarding using computers - in our home it's use with permission and supervision
    3. the main computer in the living area, where it is seen by all
    4. asked IT savvy mates to help us out with security, if in doubt - learn about it
    5. decided that for now, there is no social networking for children, although our son is begging for it
    6. tried to create an honest relationship with our children (some of their friends have internet access and some older siblings have passed on inappropriate things)
    7. worked with our kids on their various projects, rather than hope they don't run across anything 
    8. tried to lead by example - limited our own screen time and have a techno free table.

    This is by no means an exhaustive list, and it is important that both parents are on board.  Being open with parents of our children's friends has been an added bonus - then we can all work from a similar place when it comes to protection of our children's beautiful minds.

    If you need any further support or information, please contact me, Karen Amos at walkandtalkaustralia@gmail.com.

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