Child expert warns against computer bans - Talk to them instead

By Dave Murray @ Tuesday, July 15, 2008 7:18 AM

Section - PCs/Internet

An expert on child safety has warned parents not to ban their kids from the computer as a punishment method. Melbourne-based Martyn Wild said that international research suggests up to 90% of 8 to16-year-olds have viewed porn on line, mostly while doing homework.

But rather than trying to ban them from the computer, it would be better for parents to talk to them about their time on-line as they would about any other part of their day. This means that you ask where they have been and with whom they have been chatting. It means that either kids will lie, and feel guilty about their embarrassing site diversions, or tell the truth and parents will know what their kids are doing.

Wild thinks that parents don't engage with their teens on the topic because they feel their computer knowledge is inferior. X

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