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Who Do Your Children Speak To Online?
By John F | August 8, 2008
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In a recent survey, 72% of parents admit to snooping and checking out what their children get up to online. They are especially concerned about social networking sites, who their children are talking to and are the people their children are talking to really who they say they are?
One in five children admit that they have come into contact with strangers online, and regularly ignore social networking age restrictions to create online profiles and socialise with school friends. Unfortunately, this is like open season for child molesters and paedophiles.
What can you do to protect your child’s identity online and prevent them from coming into contact with undesirable people?
I have some suggestions below that will enable you to keep a close eye on their activities. All of these I have passed onto my sister, so my nephew’s online activities can me monitored.
Tip 1 - Create times when children can and cannot access the computer. If the computer is in their bedroom, occasionally pop into their room. Don’t feel bad about this, explain why you are in there if you have to. They’re your children, do what you have to do to protect them.
Tip 2 - Install parental control software. There are loads of free and paid for versions out there. I suggest in this instance to pay for a product with good feedback. Use the Internet to research and invest in a good product.
Tip 3 - Move the computer out of the bedroom and into your lounge of a room which you frequently use. By doing this you will be around more whilst your children are online. You may even be around to help with their homework!
Tip 4 - Explain to your children to be careful when online and if they encounter somebody who asks inappropriate questions to instantly log off and to let you know. Also tell them not to disclose their surname, send pictures or give out phone numbers or their address.
Tip 5 - Create limited user accounts without passwords for your children. Regularly check their browsing history and speak to them if they break any of the above rules. It’s for their own safety and your piece of mind.
Remember to keep and eye on Instant Messenger programs as well as social networking sites. If you have any more tips or advice please feel free to leave a comment for others to see.
Topics: Computer Privacy Usefulness |