Tips to Internet Security for Parents:
So what are some tips and ideas which you can implement easily to safeguard your children? Here are some ideas:
1) Talk to your children on this “tough” topic. The same precautionary rules apply for your children should be instituted as in the offline world. Make a point of finding out who their friends are online. While your children do need some privacy, speak with them and discuss why you are concerned and the issues they may encounter in the online world. Please note how you respond to them and how you approach them will determine whether they will seek for your guidance when they encounter any problems online and, as well, determine how they will deal with any future problems.
Moreover, find support by discussing these issues with trusted teachers, school counselors and other counselors, perhaps, in your church. There are some resources in your local library that you may use or websites such as www.safekids.com or www.cybertiponline.com, a site developed by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The NCMEC allows you to submit a report to notify them of any indecent, obscene or lewd material sent to your children or anyone’s children or if you become aware of any sites that are exploiting children. The NCMEC’s CyberTipline can be contacted at 1800-843-5678.
2) Move the computer out of the children’s bedroom to a more public area of the home. The same goes with the television since we are on the topic of your children’s safety and regulating what is exposed to them.
3) Use spam filters to filter unsolicited email which are most often sex-related or drug-related material. You may use spam filters by filtering out bad words or to allow only emails from trusted people in your list. The other option is to sign up an email account for your children and monitor what is received before they read it. Of course, if your children are older in their teenage years this may not be feasible and you may find much resistance to this idea. In this case, use spam filters. Many good programs such as Norton Internet Security 2006, Zone Alarm Internet Security and McAfee Internet Security include the spam filter. If you do not have a good Internet Security program then you definitely need one immediately. The second option to the Internet Security package is to download AVG Antivirus, a good free option; however, you will still need a good anti-spyware program such as WebSpysweeper, SpyDoctor or Ad-Aware SE Professional. Ad-Aware has a free version but I always recommend purchasing the professional version. The second option as well does not include a spam filter.
4) Do not use the computer and Internet as a substitute of a good babysitter. The Internet as you well know by now are full of dangers, hazards and a place where your children can possibly harm themselves. Thus, it’s important to disallow your children from using the Internet and computer without any supervision just as you wouldn’t allow your children to go out with anyone and anywhere in the real world.
5) Use good parental control software. There are many parental control software programs out there such as CyberPatrol, CyberSitter, SafeEyes and IamBigBrother. Some features to look for in a good Parental Control Software:
i. Time limits of using computer. This feature will limit the times your children will be able to use the Internet.
ii. Filter category selection will filter certain sites which will be categorized such as pornography, violence, etc.
iii. Restrict chat usage via instant messengers which could be a potential portal for viruses and spyware.
iv. Filter chat conversations disallowing certain words and numbers from being sent. This safeguards your children from sending inappropriate information such as addresses, phone numbers, credit card numbers while chatting.
v. Restrict file-sharing by peer-to-peer software which again is a potential portal for viruses and spyware.
vi. Restrict access to internet-based applications or other applications such as online games when they are supposed to be doing their homework.
vii. Activity logging on computer. Records activity of the computer to know precisely what your children are doing.
viii. Remote access to review logs from another internet- connected computer.
ix. Block search results from search engines like Google which contain objectionable words.
Remember these are programs to aid in the protection of your children. They are not a panacea. You should still monitor and discuss issues with your children. You will define the rules depending on their age as well. Spending time with your children online and be engaged in their online activity will help you understand their behaviors. You will be learn much from this and it will help you keep in touch with your children as well. If they are to meet with someone they met online make a point of attending this meeting in a public place.