Protecting children online is important. Keep computers in a central area, use parental controls, monitor who they talk to, read emails/blogs, don’t allow secret-keeping or meetings with online friends, limit computer time, and communicate openly. Teach the reasons for rules.
Even if we can’t watch our children every second, we still want to keep them safe. However, it’s not always easy, especially when they’re not in plain sight. At least we know when they’re protected at home, right? Not necessarily, especially if your kids have access to a computer. Online predators can be lurking everywhere, and what we don’t know about can hurt us and our children. Here are some tips for keeping your kids safe while they’re online.
Keep computers in a central area of the house: Instead of keeping the computer in a child’s room, set it up in a more populated area of the house, such as a family room or kitchen. Children are less likely to do something they shouldn’t be doing if the whole family, especially the parents, can see.
Use parental controls: Many online operators offer parental controls. If your carrier doesn’t, it would be wise to invest in parental control software. This will allow you to block websites, email addresses and chat rooms from your child’s computer.
Always know who your child is talking to — With the computer in one central area, it will be easy for you to constantly monitor your child’s usage. If your child is chatting, emailing, or typing an instant message, ask questions. If you don’t like the topic or the person they’re talking to, block that person from your child’s friends list.
Be Nosy: Read emails and blogs. If your child knows you’ll be privy to these areas of his life, he’s less likely to talk to unsavory characters or do something he shouldn’t. Ask as many questions as you like. Know who he is talking to, what he is talking about and how often he talks to this person or visits that website. Any person or thing that doesn’t look good on you should be blocked.
Long Tag: Never allow your child to set up meetings with friends online unless you have permission to tag.
Never allow secrets: Your child should know that it is never okay to keep secrets. No one, not a friend, trusted relative, child or adult should ask you to keep any secrets. If someone asks her to keep a secret, he should let you know right away.
Be aware of the signs: Does your child immediately hide what they are doing when you enter the room? Does he leave the page he is viewing or does he hide his chats from you? Is he deleting his computer history? He watches for any suspicious behavior and addresses it immediately.
Limit computer time: Allows you to use your computer only at a certain time of day, preferably when you are at home. If that means you’re the only one who can keep your account password, so be it.
It’s always a good idea to keep the lines of communication open. Your child should be aware of the appropriate type of behavior and he shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions about things he doesn’t understand. Don’t be afraid to ask so many questions that your child will be alienated. It’s better to be a parent and know what’s going on, than to be a friend and unaware. The important thing is to know everything your child does when he is online. If that bothers her, he’ll get over it. One day he might even thank you.
One last piece of advice is to teach; if you explain that the reasons for the rules are legitimate, your child is more likely to comply.
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