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| Kids' Corner »
Internet Safety Tips for Parents, Kids, Teens |
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| Internet Safety Tips for Parents - Kids & Teens |
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Internet Safety: Ways to
Protect your Child:
With children’s internet use increasing and the rise of
social networking sites,
ensuring your child’s safety online should be a priority
for parents. The internet is a valuable tool for
entertainment and education and children should be
encouraged to use it as such. However, your child can
also be exposed to material and behavior that they may
find threatening and upsetting. Following these simple
guidelines can help to keep children happy and secure as they
browse the internet.
1. You should keep the family computer in your living
room or other communal area. Avoid allowing your child
to keep their computer in their bedroom. You can then
see at all times what they are viewing and this reduces
the risk of them accessing material that is unsuitable.
2. Agree with your child how much time they are allowed
to spend online each day. This will depend on the age of
the child and how much they might legitimately need the
internet for study purposes. Agree on the time of day
they can access the internet also and make sure that
they stick to the rules agreed.
3. Talk to your child/children about the dangers of giving out
personal information online. If they have a profile on
any social networking site, warn them not to include any
contact details that could identify them. Encourage them
to set their profile to private so that no unauthorized
person can view it. You should also advise them to use a
screen name instead of their own name.
4. Encourage your child to talk to you about any
communication they have received or viewed online that
makes them feel uncomfortable or upset. Warn them not to
reply to any such messages without telling you first.
Cyber-bullying is becoming a major problem, particularly
for teenagers so make sure that you take any reports of
such behavior seriously.
5. Warn your child against sending pictures of
themselves to strangers online. Make sure that they
understand that strangers on the internet might not
always be who they say they are.
6. Make sure that your child knows that downloading
anything to the computer can cause serious damage. They
must always get your permission before installing
anything. You should always make sure that your computer
is well protected with anti-virus software and / or
firewalls.
7. There are various types of blocking and filtering
software available, such as Net Nanny, that can block
access to certain types of site you might consider
unsuitable. Check with your Internet Service Provider
(ISP) to find out if they offer any parental control
options that can block your child from downloading any
objectionable material.
8. Bookmark your child’s favorite sites so that they can
access them easily. This also reduces the danger of your
child accidentally accessing unsuitable websites through
misspelling words.
9. You should spend some time on the sites your children
regularly access, either with your child or alone. You
will then be aware of the type of material available and
of how other users of these sites can communicate with
your child.
10. If possible, encourage your child to use your e-mail
address instead of setting up their own so that you can
monitor any communications that they are sending and
receiving.
Summary:
It is your responsibility to make sure that your
children are informed about the benefits and dangers
posed by the internet. Let them know that they can come
to you with any concerns they might have.
Encourage them
to err on the side of caution when it comes to revealing
any information about themselves online.
Following these
suggestions can help to put your mind at ease about your
child’s safety online.
We wish you and your child happy time online! |
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