The Internet For Dummies, 14th Edition

Chapter 3

Kids and the Internet

In This Chapter

Recognizing good and not-so-good ways that kids use the Internet

Getting wise to some concerns about the Internet

Working up parental guidelines for using the Internet

Looking at the Internet in schools

Face it: Most kids are way more comfortable on the Internet than their parents (and grandparents) are. Schools assign kids to do research on the web and email information to other students or their teachers. Online games are designed for kids of all ages. Forbidding your kids from using the Net altogether is hopeless (unless they’re younger than about 6), but you want to keep your kids safe. This chapter talks about what’s great — and what’s scary — about children and youth using the Internet.

With millions of kids online, a discussion about family Internet use is critical. (Obviously, if this isn’t your concern, just skip this chapter and go to another one.)

Really Cool Ways Kids Use the Net

The Net is amazing. It can help kids do the things they have to do (like homework) as well as what they want to do:

• Research homework assignments: ...