The Internet can be a very scary place. There are a lot of things that happen on the Internet that I do not want my children exposed to. But, how can the average parent go about protecting their children?
Through my research and experience, I have come up with a number of ways that you can help to protect your children online. This does not guarantee that they will never be exposed to something questionable. It does, however, help to limit that exposure.
1. No Private Computers
It is fine for your kids to have their own computers but they should be kept in a public location. This means that they do not keep them in their bedrooms. The family rec room or a common office is where they should be. That way, they will not feel as if they have the opportunity to slip one past you.
2. Filter the Internet
There are a lot of good free Internet filters available for free. Make sure that you have either one on each computer or one on your home network that filters all your computers. This will not stop all of the questionable Internet content but it will help to prevent your youngsters from accidentally running across something.
Some free Internet filters include:
- Naomi
- ParentControlBar
- Parental Filter
- KidRocket
- BlockSite Firefox Extension
3. No Internet Without an Adult
You should not let your children on the Internet unless there is a responsible adult available. This means that if your young people are home when you are not, they are not on the Internet. You need to be able to lock the Internet out in order to do this.
There are several ways that you can lock out the Internet. Typically, this is done with either software that requires a password or a hardware “key” that you need to put into the computer to give them access.
4. Monitor your Children’s Computer
Periodically, check the web filter logs and your history on your children’s computers. Make sure that you know where they are going and what they are doing.
5. Establish Computer Rules
Create a list of rules for using the computer. Make posters of these rules and post them by the computers. Create a contract that both you and your children sign obligating them to follow the rules.
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November 4th, 2006 at 12:30 am
Nice article. Keeping kids safe on the internet is work. For users of the Windows OS, a method that has worked very well for me is to install the ratings files from ICRA (link) and then set-up “content advisor” in Internet Explorer. (It does take a minute to set up; see icra.org.) Along with this, you must be using separate user accounts in Windows (unprivileged accounts for the kids). Then, you should install Firefox for the adults (remove all shortcuts from the kids’ desktop/menus).
This method has the advantage that, for sites that are properly labeled, you don’t have to anything — the kids can get there and they’re safe. A disadvantage is that very many sites are not labeled. In that case, you just need to select “always allow” on the denied pop-up and type in the password. This basicly adds that site to a white list. Also, it forces you to do the supervising (which otherwise, let’s face it, gets to be very onerous).
As kids get older and go to more sites, this system could become difficult. Hopefully, more sites will start labeling. But, it’s worked great for us.
November 4th, 2006 at 1:10 pm
The ICRA has been at work for a number of years trying to keep the Internet safe. One of the issues that does come up is that the websites need to voluntarily rate themselves. This is kind of like having the fox guard the hen house. If someone is out to target children, all they need to do is rate themselves as child friendly and that are in.
But, for those who do play by the rules, it is a great way to help control the content your children have access to. Good find and great information, kace.
Tim
November 7th, 2006 at 10:33 am
NOTE: on item number 11 “Protect Your E-Mail Address” … you want people to use the BCC field to hide your e-mail address (BLIND Carbon Copy). CC does not prevent your address from being listed in the e-mail. Use BCC.
November 7th, 2006 at 12:00 pm
Tim,
Thanks for the correction. Of course it should be BCC. I have corrected the issue.
Tim
December 7th, 2006 at 8:59 am
I agree with all of your points but I can’t help but VERIFY your #1 item. If you place the computer in a public space everyone feels like its public. No one seems to realize that the internet is just the same as going outdoors.
December 12th, 2006 at 11:08 am
[IMG ] 10-ways-to-protect-your-home-network howto-help-protect-your-children-on-the-internet-in-progress
December 19th, 2006 at 12:07 am
Top 5 Ways to Protect your Child from Stranger Abduction Poison in the home - FDA - U.S. http://www.fda.gov/opacom/lowlit/poison.html Your Children & the Internet - some free programs available. My Choice - Safe Families Website http://dailycupoftech.com/howto-help-protect-your-children-on-the-internet-in-progress/ 7 Ways to Protect your Kid on the Internet Free Software - “Kid’s Surf Child’s Safe Web Browser 2.02″ Missing Kids http://www.missingkids.com Safe Kids http://www.safekids.org/ Child Watch of North America
February 25th, 2007 at 11:13 pm
educate parents and educational institutions on how to implement safeguards to prevent kids from accessing anything not approved for them to see. These websites offer solutions and information about how to protect children from adult content online. http://dailycupoftech.com/howto-help-protect-your-children-on-the-internet-in-progress/ http://familyfirst.net/internetguide/isp.htm There are numerous products and services as well. http://www.cyberpatrol.com/ http://www.optenetpc.com/ I’m tagging (challenging) 5 people to write their thoughts about internet porn. Anyone else who
March 5th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
Daily Cup of Tech » 15 Ways To Help Protect Your Children On The Internet Daily Cup of Tech » 10 Ways to Protect Your Home Network Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
March 18th, 2007 at 9:06 pm
This is a joke surely? Do you work for AOL.
March 28th, 2007 at 5:18 pm
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October 10th, 2008 at 8:52 am
[…] and greatest gadgets and gizmos out there. Today, I opened up Daily Cup of Tech and read “Ways to Protect Your Children Online“.This post was so informative, I just had to pass it along to […]
January 18th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
I would like to know if there a divice that I can hook up to my computer to know what and who my children are talking to and what they are talking about. if you can give me some information I will glady thank you.
Cassandra Perry!