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Internet Safety Tips
The Internet is a very useful tool. The Internet or the worldwide web, is a wonderful resource for children’s homework assignments and school projects. Parents need to be actively involved with their children while using this tool of technology.
Know the Risks
Some risks to children while “surfing the web” are inappropriate websites accidentally accessed while searching for reference material. websites that offer free computer games that can be downloaded or played on line. Due to some games containing violent and or objectionable graphics, they may be inappropriate for younger children. Some on line games are linked to gambling websites.
Some of the most dangerous places for young children to get involved are the chat rooms. Chat rooms were created to allow people to meet and communicate online. Some chat rooms are private, allowing only certain people to participate in the conversation. Child predators sometimes use this service to get children involved in a dialogue and commonly monitor some chat rooms. While there the predator will pose as a young person and attempt to garner information from children.
Setting Guidelines
Some good rules for parents to set for their children regarding use of the Internet:
Know the Risks
Some risks to children while “surfing the web” are inappropriate websites accidentally accessed while searching for reference material. websites that offer free computer games that can be downloaded or played on line. Due to some games containing violent and or objectionable graphics, they may be inappropriate for younger children. Some on line games are linked to gambling websites.
Some of the most dangerous places for young children to get involved are the chat rooms. Chat rooms were created to allow people to meet and communicate online. Some chat rooms are private, allowing only certain people to participate in the conversation. Child predators sometimes use this service to get children involved in a dialogue and commonly monitor some chat rooms. While there the predator will pose as a young person and attempt to garner information from children.
Setting Guidelines
Some good rules for parents to set for their children regarding use of the Internet:
- Never give out personal information to anyone.
- Know that people who talk to you online are not always who they say they are.
- Do not agree to meet anyone in person who you have met online.
- If anyone uses inappropriate language or asks you to do something you know is wrong, sign off quickly and tell your parents.
- Place the computer in an area where the entire family has access to it and where it can be easily monitored by parents.
- Provide your child with a screen name that does not reveal information about the child’s age or real name.
- Check your child’s email for inappropriate content.
- Learn about parental control software that is available to restrict your child’s use online. This includes software that monitors usage timing or content blocking.
- Make sure your children understand the potential dangers of “web surfing” and how to avoid them.
- Make sure that you use quality anti-virus software and keep it updated. Several retail and freeware titles are available.
- Consider the use of an Internet firewall program to provide you protection from unwanted intrusions from hackers on the Internet.
- Secure all wireless hubs and routers in your home. Security instructions are usually listed in the device documentation. Do not open your computer or home network to abuse from the outside via your own wireless transmitter.