How to Keep Your Kids Safe on the Internet
The internet is a powerful tool that has completely revolutionised the way we do business, communication and entertainment.
Like any powerful tool, however, it can be used for harm or good, depending on the motivations of the person utilising it.
Children in particular are exposed to some very serious threats on the internet.
It is important to take precautions that will enhance their healthy use of it, and safeguard them from its harmful influences.
Password protection.
Care should be exercised when storing passwords that are written down.
Passwords should never be kept in wallets, purses or backpacks.
Storing them in folders on computers is also not safe because criminals tend to search there first.
Passwords should never be sent via email or in response to a request in an email message.
Public computers are best used for anonymous web browsing, and not for any activity that requires the use of a personal password.
If the computer is not used by known and trusted individuals exclusively, personal details should be withheld from it.
Social networking.
Children are flocking to websites like Myspace and Facebook.
These social platforms are not without their risks.
Children should be encouraged to interact with people they know.
Public, online profiles should never contain personal contact information such as full names, phone numbers and physical addresses.
Under no circumstance should a child ever meet anyone in person that they have only communicated with online.
Kids should also be smart about the information that is included in photographs.
Things like street names, license plates or school names make unnecessary information available to online predators.
Parents should be communicating openly and honestly with their children.
The importance of respecting age restrictions on websites should be stressed.
Blogging.
If kids blog or journal online, similar care should be taken as with social networking.
Personal information should never be revealed.
Parents should know the address to their children's blog, with a view to checking it regularly.
Research the blog hosting service.
Do they offer password protected services? If there is any uncertainty about the safety of presenting a blog post to a total stranger, then that kind of information should not be posted online.
Also, the same guidelines for sharing pictures apply.
Adult content filtering.
It is quite alarming to consider what children can be exposed to on the internet a mere click or two away from their favourite search engine.
It is crucial that parents invest in effective content filtering software that limits what their children have access to.
This is not an issue to be taken lightly.
It is also worth considering setting up the computer children have access to in a public area of the home.
A child with private internet access behind a closed door is an invitation for trouble.
It pays to be aware that there are individuals and organisation on the internet who prey on the innocence and naivete of children.
Firm and loving parental guidance is called for.
Children need to be made aware of the very real dangers that exist, and equipped with the ability and the motivation to protect themselves online, along with the assistance of their parents.
The internet is a powerful tool indeed.
With some common sense and caution, it can be a much safer one for children.
Like any powerful tool, however, it can be used for harm or good, depending on the motivations of the person utilising it.
Children in particular are exposed to some very serious threats on the internet.
It is important to take precautions that will enhance their healthy use of it, and safeguard them from its harmful influences.
Password protection.
Care should be exercised when storing passwords that are written down.
Passwords should never be kept in wallets, purses or backpacks.
Storing them in folders on computers is also not safe because criminals tend to search there first.
Passwords should never be sent via email or in response to a request in an email message.
Public computers are best used for anonymous web browsing, and not for any activity that requires the use of a personal password.
If the computer is not used by known and trusted individuals exclusively, personal details should be withheld from it.
Social networking.
Children are flocking to websites like Myspace and Facebook.
These social platforms are not without their risks.
Children should be encouraged to interact with people they know.
Public, online profiles should never contain personal contact information such as full names, phone numbers and physical addresses.
Under no circumstance should a child ever meet anyone in person that they have only communicated with online.
Kids should also be smart about the information that is included in photographs.
Things like street names, license plates or school names make unnecessary information available to online predators.
Parents should be communicating openly and honestly with their children.
The importance of respecting age restrictions on websites should be stressed.
Blogging.
If kids blog or journal online, similar care should be taken as with social networking.
Personal information should never be revealed.
Parents should know the address to their children's blog, with a view to checking it regularly.
Research the blog hosting service.
Do they offer password protected services? If there is any uncertainty about the safety of presenting a blog post to a total stranger, then that kind of information should not be posted online.
Also, the same guidelines for sharing pictures apply.
Adult content filtering.
It is quite alarming to consider what children can be exposed to on the internet a mere click or two away from their favourite search engine.
It is crucial that parents invest in effective content filtering software that limits what their children have access to.
This is not an issue to be taken lightly.
It is also worth considering setting up the computer children have access to in a public area of the home.
A child with private internet access behind a closed door is an invitation for trouble.
It pays to be aware that there are individuals and organisation on the internet who prey on the innocence and naivete of children.
Firm and loving parental guidance is called for.
Children need to be made aware of the very real dangers that exist, and equipped with the ability and the motivation to protect themselves online, along with the assistance of their parents.
The internet is a powerful tool indeed.
With some common sense and caution, it can be a much safer one for children.
