The definition of the Internet is a system that connects all computers, mobile, and other handheld devices together. When you go online you are connected to everyone else in the world who is also online.

The Internet includes everything from e-mail and IMs, to websites, online games and and social networking sites. And they are always connected. They get to the Internet from desktops or laptops at home, school, a friend’s house, or the library. They use their sidekicks, ipod touches, PSPs, and iPhones. In a 2007 survey of teen Internet use by Pew Research, 94% of teens between the ages of 12-17 go online daily. That tells me, access is NOT a problem. But what are they really connecting to?

Think of the Internet like a giant city in the middle of the world, with lots of places to go and lots of strangers in those places. Now ask yourself this, would you allow your child to wander around this city all alone, unsupervised without any guidance as to what is safe or appropriate for them? That is what we do when we allow our children to wander the Internet on their own.

We need to ask questions and pay attention to where they are going. Young children should never be alone on the Internet! It is different than leaving them in front of sesame street for a few minutes to clean up the kitchen or make a phone call. When they are online they are just one click away from potential danger or being exposed to inappropriate content. Remember, the Internet is like a giant city in the middle of the world with lots of places to go and strangers in those places. Stay close by when your children go online and help them navigate this new world.

well-being in the physical world.

Parents ask me all the time when I think their children will be ready for e-mail, IM, a cell phone or Facebook account. Here are my recommendations …

Let’s face it, even if we do not allow our children to have a cell phone, e-mail, IM or social networking account, they are not under our direct supervision 100% of the time. It’s hard to keep them in the dark.

Let’s look at it this way… When your 8-year old daughter comes to you and says, “Mom, I want an IM account, all my friends have one and I need one too,” treat this request with respect but do your homework first!

Before your child uses any new technology you need to try it out. If you are uncomfortable using technology then ask your child to show you how it works.

Ask them these questions:

Why do you need IM?

Who will you be talking to?

What do you know about being safe while using IM?

How much time will you use IM?

A child is only ready for the technology when he or she can explain how it works and what they will do with it. You need to set up some ground rules first for example not using profanity, having time limitations, and knowing who is on their buddy list. The SAME questions and rules you set up in the physical world should apply here. If your children are NOT ready to understand this, then they are not ready for the technology.

I once had an 11-year old tell me that he wanted an e-mail account and his mom said NO. I was a little surprised so I asked the mom why she felt that way. She simply turned to her son in front of me and said, “ What would you do if a stranger offered to give you some video games, but only if you came to his house?” The boy said, “Well I would go- free video games.”

I turned to the mom and said, “He’s not ready for e-mail.”

Every child is different and YOU know your child best. If you are going to talk about the new technology with your kids you need to understand it yourself. For example, if your kids want a Club Penguin account, then you need to be able to talk about what goes on in the Arctic chat room. As they get older, and want a Facebook account (which by the way, Facebook dictates they must be 13 or in high school before opening an account) then you need to be able to talk to them about the News Feed and tagging photos. If you don’t know what these things are or what they mean how can you decide how you feel about them and if they are appropriate for your child.

(To learn more about Facebook please see the video on Facebook Basics at yourcec.org).

Whether we are talking about cell phones, IM accounts or social networking sites, time management should ALWAYS be a factor in deciding what is right for your child. Make sure your children understand what is expected of them, not only in regard to the technology, but also in regard to their behavior. You want to set the rules, explain the rules and then stick to them. Remember, you need to do your research as well. That way you know the positives and negatives and can set appropriate rules and expectations.

Researchers are beginning to question how ergonomic issues will affect this young generation of computer users. The question is, is prolonged computer use contributing to earlier onset of eye, back, neck, hand and wrist problems? Up until now, the ergonomic research has been largely focused on adults in the workplace where we are already seeing a surge in repetitive stress injuries related to computer use.

In a 2009 survey conducted by Norton Online Family, American children reported spending an average of 42 hours per month online. With all of those hours at the computer, we need to be just as concerned about their ergonomic health as we are our own. In order to prevent possible issues in the future let’s review proper posture and computer set up for all users:

• The computer should be placed on a desk so that the monitor is at eye level for the user. The user should never need to move their neck up or down to see the screen. The neck should remain in a neutral position.
• The keyboard and mouse should be placed just above the lap of the user so that he or she can keep their arms at waste level. This may require the installation of a Keyboard tray.
• The user should sit in a chair with back support.
• The user should be able to place their feet flat on the floor. If the user cannot reach the floor a box should be placed under their feet.

How much time is too much time at the computer?

There is no hard and fast rule here. Children need a balance when it comes to media and other activities. Each family must decide what is appropriate for the computer users in their home. Currently the International Ergonomics Association and Ergonomics for Children and Educational Environments recommend that all computer users rest their eyes every 15 minutes by looking past the computer to something far away and getting up from the workstation and moving every 30-60 minutes.