Though letting your children use the Internet, e-mail, and instant messaging could have many advantages, it can also have its drawbacks. Not only can these tools provide your child with too much unmonitored access, but they can also be a real time sink, taking attention away from homework, family and friends, or the great outdoors. Here are some tips to mitigate those problems:rn1 Without being alarmist, tell younger children that some electronic activities are just reserved for grownups, and that a parent or guardian must approve anything they do on the computer and on the Internet.rn2 Make it clear that personal information is just that-personal. Kids should never share their name, address, phone number, city, school, e-mail address, or instant-messaging handle withrnstrangers, nor should they post this information on the Web.rn3 Young Mac users should not be left alone at the machine. Locate the computer in a communal area, such as a family room, where you can monitor its use.
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