Internet is biggest media concern for parents
Parents once saw television as the big, bad wolf of media, but now the Internet bears bigger teeth for moms and dads concerned with their kids’ safety.
The World Wide Web is the No. 1 media concern for 85 percent of parents, compared to 13 percent who said the same of TV, according to a national poll recently released by Common Sense Media, a nonpartisan organization formed to improve the media lives of children and families.
Parents are fearful of the Internet but also see the softer side of this digital animal that’s taken over the information world.
Most parents realize the Internet is an important learning tool for kids and believe that, despite its dangers, children should have some kind of access to it.
More than 90 percent of parents said the Internet helps their kids explore their passions, but 80 percent fear online predators and 70 percent worry their children will see inappropriate things online.
"I think that is the underlying message (of this poll). The Internet is a double-edged sword for parents," said James Steyer, CEO of Common Sense Media and father of four children ages 2 to 13.
Andrea
Slater juggles a love-almost-hate relationship with the Net in her family’s home where five children share three computers. Each PC has Web access but stays in the family’s communal rooms, never in the kids’.
She and her husband laid down strict rules when their kids, ages 8 to 17, go online. Never give out or post personal information or pictures. No passwords allowed so parents can access any e-mails or messages. No instant messaging during homework without special permission.
"It takes a lot. Especially with five kids," Slater said. "But they enjoy it so much, and I like the Internet. It becomes a way of life, whether you want to check the weather or see what’s on TV. It’s a fact of their life. It’s what they’re growing up with."
But Slater said it shouldn’t encompass her children’s lives, and she makes sure the kids don’t spend too much time online or even watching TV.
The Common Sense poll was given last month to a diverse population of parents with Internet access who have kids ages 11 to 16 who go online at least once a week.
The results preface a widespread education campaign Common Sense plans to launch in the next few weeks to help parents finagle the Internet.
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