While the internet represents an information resource unparalleled in world history, there are many dangers lurking just a click or two away all the time. You can help your children stay safe on the computer while still enjoying the positives that the internet has to offer.
Web and content filters and parental controls will keep inappropriate websites off your computer for the most part. But even legitimate sites that offer interactivity through email, discussion boards or instant messaging can create safety risks for kids - and even adults.
Make sure your kids know to only use moderated discussion boards. Kids love to chat online, and discussion boards often breed problems.
Chat visitors can sometimes "lurk" in the room until they find a user with whom they want to chat. If adults are in discussion boards looking for young chatters, they can hide in the shadows watching the dialog for a vulnerable child.
In a moderated discussion board, a live, real-time moderator watches the conversation, banishes lurkers, and generally makes sure the chatting is appropriate. There are many sites that offer a listing of moderated discussion boards for kids.
Children and adults should never agree to face to face meetings alone with someone they met in a discussion board. A face to face meeting with an online friend can be a safe experience for kids if they follow a few simple rules.
First, never arrange an online meeting without parental approval of the visit. Second, parents should always accompany a child on such a visit.
Third, visits should always be in a public place like a restaurant, a library, an amusement park or the like. Even when these rules are followed, face to face meetings should be dealt with very cautiously.
No internet user should ever share passwords with anyone but close family. Make sure that passwords are kept confidential, even with friends.
If a person has your password, they can impersonate you online, and create all kinds of privacy violations. If you have any problems or see any suspicious behavior on websites, report them quickly.
If your child receives an inappropriate email or is solicited online in some way, have them report it to you promptly. You can notify the ISP of problems, and if there is something of a criminal nature, contact your local police department.
Limit time spent surfing the web or interacting electronically. Spending too much time on the internet or just surfing curiously can create some real problems.
Time limits should be agreed to by parents and kids and then kept. Certainly, time idly spent on the web should be limited to make sure homework, chores and other responsibilities are met.
Keep the computer in a public place. One good safety rule is to keep the computer in a family room or other very public place in your home and situate it so the screen is visible to anyone walking by.
This can be an important deterrent to surfing to inappropriate sites. And it also allows mom and dad to simply drop by the computer for a chat about what is onscreen.
Kids should only use the internet when parents are home. Consider a rule that allows the computer to be online only when there is a parent around.
Being on the web when children are home alone has its own risks for children. Never share personal information.
Many websites, discussion boards, discussion forums and the like request information such as addresses, phone numbers, pictures, birthdays, schools, hobbies, pet's names and so forth. Sharing this kind of information can be dangerous and should be avoided.
Log off if you are uncomfortable. If anything happens during an online session that feels threatening, suggestive or harassing, children should log off immediately.
If your kids are going to be online, be there with them when possible. The online experience should be one that can be shared between parents and kids.
Consider putting your family internet rules in writing and monitor compliance. Post them conspicuously near the computer and keep the commitment to follow the pledge.
Author Resource:-
Jack R. Landry is a computer expert. He specializes in software updates technical support, and content filter updates. He has written hundreds of articles about software updates and content filter update. He has studied computer software for 12 years.
Contact Info:
Jack R. Landry
JackRLandry@gmail.com
http://www.clearcenter.com
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