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A guide to Safe Surfing for Parents and Teachers
Most of us don't have a clue what our kids are up to when there are multiple windows open on the computer screen and their hands are flying over the keyboard at a breakneck speed. How many times do you catch yourself fretting about what your teenage daughter or son is seeing or doing on the Internet? There's no doubt that the Internet is a fantastic source of information, but no one can deny that there are risks involved too. What if your child accidentally stumbles upon inappropriate content that is harmful for their impressionable minds? What if they are chatting with strangers you would discourage them to get friendly with otherwise?
For parents who have grown up with the television, the Internet generation is surely more computer savvy and knows more about the latest technology than most parents. Just as in the real world, parents need to supervise what their kids are doing in the virtual world also, how are they spending their time, whom are they chatting with and what kind of information they are accessing or sharing with other people.
Know the Risks
The anonymity of online communications means people feel freer to do things online they would never do in the real world. Some of the risks involved are as follows:
1. Pornographic Content on Websites
2. Privacy Invasions: Some web sites and advertisements ask for personal information. Make sure that your kids know the difference between giving personal information in order to receive a service and giving personal information to a site that simply wants the data for commercial purposes like emailing their own ads or to sell the information to a third party. In case, you have questions about a site, be sure to check its privacy policy.
3. Violent or Hateful Content: There are many forms of hate on the Internet, ranging from extreme racist sites to the cruel satire found on many popular websites.
4. Spam: your child can get disturbing messages and hoaxes through emails in their e-mail accounts
5. Internet Addiction: could lead to your child neglecting the family and friends besides affecting your child's health.
What Parents can do
There are numerous tools, softwares, special search engines and browsers for kids available on the Internet that can help you monitor your kids' activities. Here's what all you can do to ensure a safe surfing experience for your child:
- You can set your search preferences on search engines like Google & Yahoo for safe searching. On activating the safe search filters, these search engines exclude websites with inappropriate content from their search results. You can choose from options like moderate filtering & strict filtering. Useful links are:
http://www.google.com/preferences?hl=en
http://search.yahoo.com/preferences/preferences?page=filters&pref_done
- Check with your ISP or online service provider:
Most ISPs offer discounted rates for child safety software and some online service providers provide child safety features as part of the service. Check with your ISP to see what options and recommendations they provide.
- Use Filtering & Blocking Tools and softwares that limit access to some sites, words and images. You could also use Tools that filter images and graphic descriptions. Some of these tools offer a 15 day trial period.
http://www.netnanny.com
http://www.cyberpatrol.com
http://www.cybersitter.com
- Tools that block your child's information from being posted out.
Some useful links are:
http://www.netnanny.com
- Use Tools that Limit the amount of time your child spends on the Internet:
It allows you to set limits on how much time your child spends on the computer or online. You can also use time-limiting software to set the time of day children can go online or use the computer. Some useful links are:
http://www.eyetimer.com/
http://www.cyberpatrol.com
- Use Monitoring Tools that alert adults to online activity without blocking access.
An example is
http://www.iambigbrother.com
- Download and Use browsers specifically meant for children
Browsers for kids generally filter inappropriate words or images. They are also designed to be easier for kids to use. The advantage of using these browsers is that children have the freedom to surf the Net and explore its positive aspects without gaining access to inappropriate sites and material. Some of the kids browsers are:
www.kiddonet.com
http://yahooligans.yahoo.com/
http://www.education-world.com
http://www.kidrocket.org/
- Download and Use search engines specifically meant for kids
Kid-oriented search engines work like regular search engines by helping kids locate information on the Internet, except they also provide special features to protect children from inappropriate material. Instead of searching the whole Web, some of these search engines will only search within a certain group of pre-approved sites. Others will search the whole Web but withhold search results that are inappropriate. Like regular search engines, these tools are free of cost:
http://yahooligans.yahoo.com/
http://www.dibdabdoo.com
http://www.ajkids.com/
http://www.awesomelibrary.org/
http://www.educational-software-directory.net/
Other Safe Surfing Tips
- While chatting or emailing, remember not to give out personal information like names , addresses or photos, to anyone other than family and friends.
- Activate 'safe search' settings on search engines like Google & Yahoo
- Parents should familiarize themselves with parental control softwares and Tools
- Establish family guidelines for surfing the net
- Install anti-virus software on your computer
Useful Websites for Parents
• http://www.netnanny.com
• http://www.cyberpatrol.com
• http://www.cybersitter.com
• http://www.safekids.com/
• http://www.staysafe.org/
The positives of allowing your child access the Internet surely outweigh the negatives. Let them safely watch the sun rise on the other side of the Earth with Google Earth, participate in a live chat with NASA scientists, practice a new language with children in foreign lands and do much more on the Internet. Let your child experience the educational and entertainment resources on the Internet with a little preparation and monitoring from your side. Ensure a positive online experience for your kids today.
Author: RedAlkemi Syndicate
About the Author: RedAlkemi - www.RedAlkemi.com is a leading Internet Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Link Building, Web Development & eCommerce services company having a team of 140 professionals and provides services to over 400 clients globally.
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