While you might be worried about the effect of modern technology on your children, the reality is they are growing up in a digital age where Google is the new encyclopedia and Facebook is the new meeting place. And while today’s kids are completely comfortable with computers, cell phones and the internet, it’s often parents who are more hesitant about embracing technology.

For parents who are not completely at ease with the internet themselves, appreciating the value of it to their children can be difficult.

Carolyn Holgate, General Manager of MWEB Connect, says, "The internet offers an enormous amount of knowledge easily and cheaply. With proper supervision, understanding and safety measures in place, it can be one of the most powerful and valuable tools for building a solid educational foundation for your child, no matter what their age."

School projects

The best way to get internet access for your children at home is through a reliable and reputable Internet Service Provider, as such companies provide the necessary protection tools and services to keep your family safe online. "MWEB provides free virus and spam protection, as well as tools such as Web Filter to control the content that your kids can access on the internet, giving you peace of mind," Holgate explains.

Kids are often required to do their own searches for information for projects, and while a physical library is still vitally important for gathering facts and information, getting to know one’s way around the internet can be of enormous help for such assignments. Surfing the web is also a vital life skill that assists children to learn more easily. With a tool like the internet at hand, as well as the know-how to use it to find the information you need, the internet is a knowledge-enabler.

"The internet offers children a sense of empowerment and achievement in problem solving. Children who learn to use the Internet are getting the training in technical skills that they will need to use in any career they may choose," adds Holgate.

Along with search engines like Google, educational websites like www.saeverything.co.za and the global encyclopaedia of www.britannica.com provide kids with the opportunity to do comprehensive research on topics being covered at school. These sites often include practical examples, worksheets and illustrations, which can help with information retention.

What to watch for?

It's great that kids have access to so much information for school projects, but it's important that they are aware that copying this information straight from the website is something to be avoided at all costs. It's important to ensure your child understands how to credit any online source by copying and pasting the link to their project reference list.

Go to page 2 to find out what safety measures you can take to protect your children from online predators

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