A Couple Of Step In Protecting Your Kids From The Internet

Relying solely the safety of your kids while they use the internet to different security softwares you have installed is a complete misinterpretation of what these softwares are all about. You must understand that computer programs designed to keep your kids from accessing certain sites aren't the solution to keep your kids safe. Because believe it or not, your kids can still visit bad sites even if your computer has all sorts of web filtering systems available. How? By disabling it or finding a way to bypass the current security configuration of your computer.

It is important therefore that you get personally involved with the activity of your kids online. Thus, these are the things you should do: (this is not to say, however, that web security software isn't useful; it only says that parents shouldn't use security features from web security software, search engine, and web browsers as alternatives to actual physical presence and proper guidance.)

1. Educate yourself.

Knowing what you are doing ensures that you get the things you want to achieve. This also goes when it comes to the safety of your kids on the internet. Make sure that you know what you are taking about so that they will understand what you are saying and in turn, will yield to the result you are expecting.

You can't simply tell them "do this and don't do that" without knowing why. So, learn the internet, understand the threat, know where threats can come from, learn the language your kids use online, and go to number 2.

2. Teach.

Teach your kids how to safely use the internet. Here are some of those:

• Follow specific guidelines on the proper use of the internet.

• Never give personal information to other people they meet online.

• Never visit bad sites.

• Never use real name online.

• Never become an online bully.

• Never open spam mails. Never download attachments from unknown senders.

• Tell parents right away if they feel uncomfortable with someone or something they encounter online.

3. Remind

Sometimes, it isn't enough to teach your kids what they should do and what they shouldn't in one sitting. You need to keep on reminding them about it all the time. The effective way to do it though isn't through constant verbal approach but through the paper. Make a list of the things that your kids should and shouldn't do while using the internet. This will stand as the rules. Post it near the computer where they can easily see it.

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Know The Dangers Of The Internet

The information superhighway and the Internet revolution have allowed people of all ages, races, genders, and inclinations greater access to knowledge and communication. With more information stored online, more people can read about their favorite subjects without having to run to the library, or purchase an expensive encyclopedia set. With more knowledge organized in a format that can be easy to search through, retrieve, and work with, more people can learn faster and do more research online.

This revolution in information technology and presentation comes with its own disadvantages. Not all information presented online is true or edited, and nothing can surpass power of a real encyclopedia or reference book in terms of veracity of the information presented. Not all online forums seeking to help people are populated by experts or, much less, decent Internet users. Not all websites are safe to access, and not all files that you download from the Internet are free from malicious programs that can give hackers access to your computer.

Our children are the greatest beneficiaries of computer and online technology, and they are certainly its greatest victims. While the Internet can help your primary school student look for facts on Thailand, it may lead him or her to sites that advertise on the country's teeming sex trade. While the World Wide Web can allow your secondary school student to do research on stem cells, it may ask for his or her credit card to purchase certain articles or books - only to turn the tables on you and allow hackers access to the credit card itself. The Internet is home to information as well as dangers, and in order to protect your children best, you will need to know the dangers.

• Because children are easily impressionable and can easily place their trust in someone who does good things for them, many ill-meaning people can prey on them and ask them to give information that they shouldn't. Such predators can operate at many levels, and in many sites. They can come to forums in the guise of someone who can counsel teenagers or help children with their homework. They can come to chat rooms and introduce themselves as grandfathers or grandmothers who want to learn about the Internet.

Predators come in many forms, but their aim will be the same: they will use children for their own selfish ends. They can ask children important information about the children's parents, leading the way for the predator to break into the house or office and steal important, valuable items. They can ask children to meet them, leading the children to be kidnapped and sold off to the sex or slave trade.

• Child pornography, despite the efforts of international governments, has shown no signs of slowing down. More and more children are lured by child pornographers to pose for lewd pictures, participate in indecent, often disturbing acts, and ultimately destroy their fragile childhood. Like predators, pornographers will prey on children's innocence, and pose as trustworthy people.
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