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How to Monitor what your kids are doing on the Internet?
 
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:


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 Information: Atul Gupta is the CEO of www.RedAlkemi.com, an Internet Marketing and Web Development Company. You can reach him at atul@redalkemi.com
 
 
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