The advent of the Internet, in some respects, made the job of parenting a little harder. We want our kids to experience the vast wealth of knowledge available online and communicate with their friends online (frees up the telephone). Unfortunately, it also exposes our kids to inappropriate material, obscene pop-up ads, and even sexual perverts.
In fact, research indicates that 1 in 5 kids aged 10 to 17 have received a sexual solicitation over the Internet. This is definitely not something any parent/guardian wants to hear, but is forced to face.
In order to fulfill the responsibility of securing your kids online, you as a parent/guardian must master the basic principles of the computer. Only then can you guide them and teach them the do’s and don’ts of the internet. Teach them to use the internet safely, encourage them to share their experiences with you and enjoy the internet along with them. Kids should basically show respect to others online, just as you teach kids rules of good behavior when they move in society.
Nevertheless, there is technology available, which can help to protect your kids from any content that is not appropriate for them. So you can use software to block this inappropriate content. Microsoft software, for example, has different types of software for this. ‘Windows Vista Parental Controls’ helps parents to manage, monitor and administer the use of computer by the kids. Another software called ‘Windows Live OneCare Family Security’ filters the information, so that even the child’s searches can be blocked, if they are inappropriate for its age. Even DVD movies and games can be restricted by a software called Xbox parental controls.
Besides, you can increase your security and privacy by making your kids limited users in your
Administrative Account, by giving them Limited User accounts. This restricts the kids to change system settings, install any new software which includes chat programs, games, etc. Online security of your child can also be done through your web browser. All that you have to do is to adjust your web browser security settings and web sites can then be assigned security levels.
Also you can keep track of the websites that the kids are surfing. If you check out the History List in Internet Explorer, it is possible to see where the kids have been surfing. Even email addresses, correspondence and downloaded files can be viewed by you.
Kids should be taught to be careful during chats and instant messaging sessions and not to give
away personal identity, names, addresses and telephone numbers. This is how they become victims to impostors and predators.
Make your kids aware of the hazards of the internet and teach them how they can come out of difficult situations. Having talks and discussions with kids about the risks is important, and as parents/guardians one should set certain limits. If the security of the kids is taken care of, only then can internet be a source of fun and information, without which the environment is incomplete.