People.com Celebrity Parents Safe Web-Surfing Tips from a PBS Kids Expert PBS Kids expert, Sara DeWitt, shares her top web-surfing tips for the whole family. By Staff Author Published on January 21, 2011 10:00 AM Share Tweet Pin Email Is your child on Facebook? Chances are he’s not, but as our world becomes increasingly more digital, kids are experiencing the Internet at a very young age. And though it can be great as a quick distraction and even a learning tool, let’s face it — there’s some scary stuff out there. Luckily, there are easy ways to make your child’s web-surfing experience safe and educational. “We feel like the most important thing is parent-child interaction,” says Sara DeWitt, vice president of Interactive at PBS Kids. “It should definitely be parent-driven in the beginning.” DeWitt recommends that parents look for solid websites (like pbskids.org/go) that are a combination of educational and entertaining. “One of the best ways to do that is to look for reliable sources — parents should check sites, networks and brands they’re familiar with, and see what they offer to kids.” As for what age to introduce your child to the Internet, DeWitt says it depends on his or her development. “How good are their motor skills? Can they engage with technology? Those are some questions you need to ask,” she explains. And make sure your child isn’t on media overload, either. “Think about the screentime that’s already in your child’s life,” she cautions. “Be sure there’s a balance between the time they’re watching television versus using a computer screen, and activities that are off-screen. After they play online, see if you can move them to an offline game.” DeWitt says that this generation of parents has a leg up: Since they grew up with the web, they’re as tech-literate as their kids. “For a long time, we had the ‘digital native’ idea with young children,” she shares. “But today’s parents are confident with the Internet, and comfortable with the idea of using it.” Still, there are precautions to take: DeWitt reminds parents that people under the age of 13 aren’t supposed to be using Facebook, and adults need to remember that using search engines can sometimes lead to trouble, too. “Kids themselves are very unlikely to use search engines,” she says. “But we recommend parents choose a site that’s safe for kids, then let them naturally navigate through it.” To teach families more about Internet navigation, PBS recently launched the Digital Citizenship Initiative, based around a game for parents and kids ages 6-9 that teaches privacy and online safety. Check it out at pbskids.org/webonauts. — Kate Hogan Related Articles Social Media Is Rife with Tips on Accessing Abortion Pills: What's Real, What's Fake — and What's Safe? 5 Ways to Help Kids and Teens Navigate Through Mental Health Challenges (Pandemic and Beyond) How Bad Is Screen Time, Really? 80 Percent of Parents Think Technology Has Made Parenting More Difficult, Causes Kids to Grow Up Faster Can Kids Trick-or-Treat This Year? How to Have a Safe Halloween That's Still Scary-Fun Thinking About Adoption? Here's What to Know Save on Fidget Toys, Brainteasers, and Games for the Whole Family During Fat Brain Toys' 19th Anniversary Sale Should Kids Watch 'Squid Game' ? Experts Say No — but Here's How to Approach It If It's 'Too Late' 4 Ways Moms Can Prioritize Mental Health What Are the 10 Most Important Things to Do to Prepare for a Baby? With Camps and Trips Canceled, How Can I Actually Entertain My Kids at Home This Summer? 4 Tips to Helps Parents Master Cyber Safety Keeping Secrets KidZui: A Fun (Parent-Approved) Browser For Kids! Best Gifts for Kids Are Books and Blocks Instead of High Tech Toys, Medical Experts Say How to Work from Home with Kids During the Coronavirus Quarantine (and Not Lose Your Mind) Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies