As children are drawn to the computer on rainy days, the benefits of the internet as a socialising and knowledge building tool far outweigh the dangers, a Queensland University of Technology academic said.
Senior lecturer in QUT's Faculty of Education Dr Marilyn Campbell said parents needn't be petrified about letting their children spend time on the internet.
"The dangers of the internet are quite overrated by adults. I don't think it is very dangerous at all," Dr Campbell said.
"Some children in prep classes are already learning how to 'Google'. As soon as children can spell their name to open an email account they can use the internet.
"Adults' greatest fear for children online is paedophilia, but most kids don't talk to strangers on the internet.
"While the crime is truly awful, it's not incredibly widespread."
Dr Campbell said parents also unduly fear their children will seek out or stumble across pornography.
"Most homes and schools have reasonable filters to prevent pornography slipping through," she said.
"And most kids don't want to look at it."
Dr Campbell said the greatest danger children would come across online was cyber-bullying from their peers, and even this was not widely spread.
"Children cannot be 'bully-proofed' either online or in the school yard," she said.
"What parents can do is empower their children to face bullying and listen to their children if they have experienced bullying, asking 'how would you like me to help you?'
"The internet is less dangerous for children than riding in a car. The key is to talk to them about staying safe online; to not talk to strangers on the internet, just like not talking to strangers on the street.
"Also, computers should not be in kids' bedrooms. A computer is not a private diary. Parents have the right to monitor and see what their children are playing."
Dr Campbell said children also need physical activity away from the computer chair.
"There's got to be balance," she said.
"The internet is tremendous for socialising and knowledge building. The benefits far outweigh the dangers."
The federal government offers a free downloadable internet content filter at www.netalert.gov.au.
Media contact: Rachael Wilson, QUT media officer, 07 3138 4494 or rachael.wilson@qut.edu.au
