Keep Your Kids Safe Online
With school back in full swing, your kids are probably spending more time online – researching papers, completing homework, chatting with school friends and a myriad of other things. While you’ve probably stressed the importance of being safe at school, what about the dangers that lurk online? From online predators to pornography to age-inappropriate sites, the Internet can quickly turn into a dangerous place.
According to the Crimes Against Children Research Center, the number of nationwide arrests of online predators who solicited law enforcement investigators posing online as juveniles nearly quintupled from 644 in 2000 to 3,100 in 2006. While that may seem like a small number, when it’s your child at risk it becomes a very real concern. Don’t let your children surf unprotected – even the most innocent child can quickly discover the seamy side of the internet.
One of the best ways to protect your child is to install safety software. Commonly called parental-control software, these products allow you to choose what sites your children can access. Safe Eyes, a Georgia-based company, provides software for home and mobile devices. Their products allow parents to control Web site access, monitor instant messages, limit time spent online and more – plus they also send alert messages when an inappropriate site has been viewed. Some computers also come with built-in safety software such as Windows Vista Parental Controls. These programs contain the basics but may not offer advanced features such as time limits and remote monitoring.
Don’t forget plain, old-fashioned communication. Chat with your kids in real life. Find out what their favorite sites are, who they talk to online and remind them about Internet safety. Maintaining an open dialogue can be just as important as installing safety software. Make it a point to find things you can do together online, whether it’s playing a game or looking up stats on a favorite sports team.
And lastly, keep the computer out in the open. Letting kids go online behind closed doors can lead to trouble. Placing your computer in the living room or any open family space lets you monitor what your child is viewing.
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