Parents today face many issues regarding children and computers. Our children's lives are greatly influenced by technology, and this is just the beginning. Computers are here to stay along with the Internet and software targeting the youngest of users. So how computer literate are they? What kind of software is educational? As parents, what can we do to make sure they are safe?

Computer Literacy
Computer literacy has been defined in the past as mastering operations, computer terminology and knowledge of how a computer works. Today, a child's computer literacy is measured by their awareness of what the computer can do to help them learn, find and create. Children will have a more confidant attitude when encountering new things in the computer environment if they have had a wide range of experience. Very young children gain computer literacy by the exposure of watching an older sibling or parent. Once they have observed they will quickly become more active grabbing the mouse, banging on the keyboard and pointing at the screen. As children get older, they master skills to explore software and begin to see that the computer is their tool. As these skills develop, children gain more and more benefits from using the computer.

Choosing Software
The software you select for your child's computer plays a big role in determining the value and enjoyment they will get out of their computer experience. Here are some tips to help you choose software for your children:

• Know where your child is developmentally?
• Know what fascinates your child - animals or cars?
• Does your child prefer game-based educational products or more open-ended, discovery type products
• Choose software that is designed for your child's age-range.
• Are the characters, story, music, colors, and other content appealing?
• Are the graphics, text and navigation buttons simple, large and easy to click on?
• Can your child operate and enjoy the program without reading skills?
• Is your child required to plan, think and respond quickly.
• Is the software easy to use? The rule of thumb is "If it is not easy to use, it won't get used!"
• Visit the program with your child to make sure they can enter, navigate and operate its main features.
• Seek out resources to help you choose software.
  The Children's Software Revue
  www.childrenssoftware.com
  Family PC
  www.familypc.com

Internet Safety
Making sure your child is exploring their way through Internet sites that are appropriate is another big concern for parents. As children become more aware of the functions, ideas and behaviors of the computer culture, teaching safe behavior on the Internet is a must. The Internet is an environment that is constantly evolving. It is filled with information, games, opportunities and communication. Along with the excitement, the Internet is filled with danger for children. Your job as a parent is to be aware of dangers in everyday life as well as on the Internet. Guiding your child with care will help them develop the skills to recognize danger and avoid it on their own. You are the keeper and the teacher of the values you want your children to possess. You have the right and the responsibility to control your child's access to experiences on the Internet. Talking with your children about what they learn online, both good and bad, is important.

For more information about children and computers visit these web sites:
www.uskidscompute.com
www.ctw.org/parents/techtips/article