Look both ways before you cross the ... Internet?
Keeping your
child safe from internet dangers is one of the greatest problems you
can face as a parent. In this article, learn how to give your
children a safe computing environment and give yourself some peace of
mind.
With each new generation of parents come new parenting challenges; new products and new technologies that make us re-write the book—or at least a few chapters—on protecting our children.
This generation's greatest challenge is Internet safety for our children; protecting our kids from the dangers of the Internet while still allowing them to enjoy its many valuable resources. To accomplish this task, we must understand the digital world, the problems it can pose, and the technology (including parent-centric solutions) available for directly combating these problems.
The Bad News: Traditional and Non-Traditional Internet Dangers
Some of the Internet hazards facing your children are the same ones facing adults every day. Viruses, spyware, spammers, hackers, and even identity thieves, can attack your children's computers just as they can yours. Your home computers need to be protected against them.
Less traditional Internet threats, which specifically target our children, are dangers like online predators posing as children in chat rooms and on social networking sites, like "MySpace" and "Facebook." As the popularity of social networking sites continues to increase, so does the risk of Internet predators capturing your child's personal information. In addition, your children may come across or seek out inappropriate or indecent content online. Do you have a line of defense for filtering out content you don't want them to see?
There is still a deeper level at which the digital world can negatively impact your children; the internet can impact them socially. You may have noticed, kids don't seem to be playing outside as much as they used to. And why should they, when all of their friends, games, and favorite hobbies can be accessed through a couple of mouse clicks? It is easy to underestimate the effects the Internet can have on our children, but it is up to us, as parents, to keep this useful tool from, among other dangers, stunting our children's social and emotional development.
The Good News: There Are Internet Safety Solutions
Although, having grown up with PCs, mp3s, iPods and so on, our children seem almost instinctively to know how to work with any new technology, what they do not know is how insidious Internet threats can be—and how to protect themselves. For this reason, it is up to us as parents to know what software to install, and to teach them safe Web-surfing practices.
Technology Solutions
We can protect ourselves and our children from traditional Internet threats by installing and updating the appropriate software, just like you would at work. All of your home computers should be equipped with current and updated antivirus and spyware detection programs (such as those put out by Symantec, McAfee, or Webroot), and you should always install the latest critical operating system updates. Adding a hardware firewall for your home connection to the Internet is a must.
In addition, there are now several technology solutions that specifically help to guard against child predators and the inappropriate content your child may be seeking. Invest in one of the many parental-control software packages (such as CyberPatrol or NetNanny) that contain the following functions: Web filtering, chat and instant messaging filtering, inappropriate content blocking, activity monitoring, and the ability to set time restrictions on your child's Internet access. All of these functions can be temporarily overridden if you wish, for example, to extend your child's access so that he or she can complete a lengthy class project.
While these quick-fix technology tools will help protect your children from some Internet dangers, they alone will not do the trick. After educating yourself on the benefits and pitfalls of your children's Internet usage, you will need to develop some guidelines for their Internet activity—and make sure they stick to them.
Parenting Solutions
There is, however, one thing that all the computer software in the world can't do; set limits that balance your child's needs and well-being against the risks of Internet pitfalls. That's where you, as the parent, come in. We've developed a list of suggestions for how to communicate with your child about the Internet, and what behaviors to look out for. Ultimately, however, you must decide what guidelines are appropriate for your little Web surfers.
DO watch out for warning signs of inappropriate Internet behavior—is your child quickly closing browser windows or looking embarrassed when you approach them?
DO NOT let your kids have computers in their rooms. Family computers should reside in common areas, so you can monitor your kids' usage and so your children do not develop an expectation of privacy.
DO have open and honest conversations about safe computing habits and the risks of Internet use.
DO NOT give your young children laptops without a compelling reason. Even if you think their laptops are not configured for Internet access, many kids are knowledgeable enough to pick up wireless access from a neighbor or at a friend's house, unbeknownst to you.
DO always operate under the assumption that your kids have proficient computing skills.
DO obtain your children's e-mail and operating system passwords so you can monitor their Internet usage.
The Last Word
Despite its dangers, the Internet has a lot to offer your children. It can be a phenomenal research library, an educator, a communication network, a news outlet and so much more.
Although it is not always an easy task, it is our individual and collective responsibility to be aware of the latest digital technology, and how it can positively and negatively affect our children. Then, we must set limits, talk to our children about safe computing, and do our best to protect them.
If you have a questions regarding any of the information contained within this article or would like to learn more about how to make your home computer child-safe, please contact Optimal Networks at 240-499-7900 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
0 Comments