Should Parents Monitor the Websites accessed by their kids?

Abstract

The use of computer technology, whether online or playing video games, will pose serious and intrinsic threats to children and adolescents in terms of mental wellbeing. Parents are in the strongest place to influence and regulate the computer interactions and behaviors of their infant, and so it is the responsibility of providers of mental health to warn parents about these risks and how they can be mitigated. This paper reviews media consumption and mental health patterns and discusses different actions that parents should take to reduce negative aspects of such use. There is a discussion of realistic problems and remedies.Many parents do not know what their kids are doing online and the action they should take to help keep them safe. Kids, while this is always a source of friction, respond favorably to parental supervision. It is effective to use all external approaches, such as putting restrictions on mobile devices and controlling access, and engaging with children about the secure and balanced use of electronic media. Parents should track the quantity and content of computer usage in which their children participate and regulate it when appropriate. Parents should teach internet etiquette to their children and warn them about online dangers, including sexting and cyber bullying, and look for signs of those issues.