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Blocking, filtering and monitoring. These are 3 things you can do to get a head start. Educating your child of the dangers online also helps.
There are many tools available to help parents control and monitor where their children surf online. Some even help regulate how much time a child spends playing computer games, or prevent their accessing the Internet during certain preset times.
I've listed the type of protections that are available. But, most of the popular brands now offer all of these features, so you don't have to choose. Recently, given parents' concerns about strangers communicating with their children online, monitoring software has gained in popularity. Although it might have its place in protecting a troubled child, it feels more like "spyware" than child protection. But it's ultimately your choice as a parent. The newest trend is to use products supplied by your ISP called parental controls. AOL's parental controls were the first of these to be developed and used. MSN 8.0 launched the first set of parental controls for MSN.
Blocking Software
Blocking software is software that uses a "bad site" list. It blocks access to sites on that list. They may also have a "good site" list, which prevents your child from accessing any site not on that list. Some of the software companies allow you to customize the lists, by adding or removing sites from the lists. I recommend you only consider software that allows you to customize the list, and lets you know which sites are on the lists.
Filtering
Filtering software uses certain keywords to block sites or sections of sites on-the-fly. Since there is no way any product can keep up with all the sites online, this can help block all the sites which haven't yet been reviewed. The software blocks sites containing these keywords, alone or in context with other keywords. Some companies allow you to select certain types of sites to block, such as those relating to sex, drugs or hate. This feature engages special lists of keywords that match that category. As with the "bad site" lists, the lists of keywords used by the filtering software should be customizable by the parent, and every parent should be able to see which terms are filtered.
Outgoing Filtering
No...this doesn't mean your software had a sparkling personality :-) (that's cyberspace talk for "grin" and means you're supposed to smile at my brilliant humor. It means that your child won't be able to share certain personal information with others online. Information such as your child's name, address or telephone number can be programmed into the software, and every time they try to send it to someone online, it merely shows up as "XXXs." Even with kids who know and follow your rules, this is a terrific feature, since sometimes, even the most well-intentioned kids forget the rules.
Monitoring and Tracking
Some software allows parents to track where their children go online, how much time they spend online, how much time they spend on the computer (such as when they are playing games) and even allows parents to control what times of day their children can use the computer. This is particularly helpful when both parents are working outside of the home, or with working single-parents, who want to make sure their children aren't spending all of their time on the computer. Many parents who don't like the thought of filtering or blocking, especially with older children and teens, find monitoring and tracking satisfy their safety concerns. They can know, for sure, whether their children are following their rules.
We particularly recommend using a monitoring software and then forgetting it's installed. Think of it as the security video camera in the corner of the bank. No one views the tapes until the bank is robbed. If something bad happens, you can play back the monitoring log and see exactly what occurred, and who said what, and in dire situations, where your child went to meet an adult offline. There is a company out there called Spectorsoft.com, their products can monitor all instant messaging platforms, which is key to keeping your children safe online.
Parents have to remember, though, that these tools are not cyber-babysitters. They are just another safety tool, like a seat belt or child safety caps. They are not a substitute for good parenting. You have to teach your children to be aware and careful in cyberspace. Even if you use every technology protection available, unless your children know what to expect and how to react when they run into something undesirable online, they are at risk. Arming them well means teaching them well.
For more information go here http://parentsonline.ning.com
The internet is a wonderful thing and the benefits truly outweigh any negatives, but there is always a dark side to anything and the internet is no exception.
Our children are most at risk from this dark side as they are far less likely to be prepared to cope with situations online which could potentially harm them. Apart from the risk of children being groomed or befriended by people who would want to harm them physically there is another much more common and perhaps much more subtle danger online, cyber bullying.
With the popularity of social networks our children are now being faced with bullies online, who are prepared to say anything to embarrass, anger and frightened for fun. Whereas traditional bullying would perhaps be on a one to one basis and only during school hours, cyber bullying can be witnesses by the recipients friends too and at all times of the day or night, potentially making it far more harmful to the individual.
The daily stress of being bullied online can be hidden from parents and can build up to level which can start to affect the child's physical and mental health, sometimes even causing suicide attempts.
So what can be done to protect our children from the cyber bully?
1. Parents need to monitor what their children are viewing online. This should be done in agreement with the child by explaining why you need to do this and that it is for their own safety. There are various ways you can monitor your child's Internet usage, you can either look at the history logs on the computer or you can become a friend within your child's social network group, that way you will see what is being said. Monitoring needs to be done in a unobtrusive a way as possible, after all you don't want to intrude on your child's freedoms, but you need to make sure that they are not being abused or bullied too.
2. Encourage your children to talk to you about their problems, let them know that it is OK for them to tell you if they are being bullied or if they are unsure of something online. Let them know that they will not be in any trouble and that you will be supportive and help them with any issues without becoming angry.
3. Spending time with your child online together is a good way to teach them about how they should behave online and what and is not acceptable. Show by example and pass on internet security practices such as not giving too many details about themselves online like their age, address, telephone number etc.
I am a trained stress advisor (RCN accredited and CPD certificated). I currently run my business from home and have a supporting website http://www.stress-relief-workshop.com
The Internet is a great resource for kids, offering both entertainment and knowledge. The different ways and places kids can go online is increasing rapidly, cafes, schools, phones, PDA's all offer portals to the online world. Just as in the real world, the virtual world poses dangers to your kids. While very much hyped by media, the dangers for kids online are none the less real. Although ISP's and governments strive to provide a safe enjoyable online experience, it's impossible to guarantee this. Just as in the real world there is no substitute for parents supervising and educating their children, encouraging safe online practices.
How Can Parents Protect Their Children Online?
Children need a certain amount of privacy in the real world, the also need parental involvement and guidance. The balance you strike in the real world should be what you strive to achieve in their online life also. Just as you would in normal activities, if you're concerned about their online activities talk to them. Become involved in their online life in the same way you do with other things they do.
Don't wait until you think there is a problem, your involvement could actually avoid any problems. Many parents shy away from this, after all some have no idea about the online world. If your unsure, speak to your childes teacher, ask a trusted Internet savvy friend. If your child tells you about an upsetting message, web-site or person online, offer advice on how to avoid this in the future. Most importantly the way you react will determine if they come to you in the future with similar problems.
Some ISP's offer Internet filtering that removes some pornography and other content not suitable for kids. You can also buy filters for your computers at home. By installing the filters on your on PCs, you have far greater control over your child's activities. After all would you let the electricity company decide if your children can watch a movie or not? It makes sense you maintain that control. Filters however are not perfect, some sites will get through, administrators of these sites spend their time finding ways around the filters, so do your kids. In addition to an Internet filter, you should filter you e-mail for spam. Much spam has an adult subject so is a source of material kids should not be reading. While filters are a valuable tool, they are no substitute for supervision, the Internet is not a TV or video game, don't treat it like a nanny.
Set Rules The Whole Family Follows Online
The types of rules you should set are in reality the same basic rules you should maintain for your own security.
Never give out identifying information in chat rooms, news groups and forums. Many people other than the intended recipient could read the information. Teach your children to think carefully before giving information such as name, age, phone number, school, financial details etc.
Never give personal information in e-mails unless they're sure they know and trust the recipient.
When joining social networking sites such as Myspace, Facebook, or opening instant messenger accounts such as MSN or Yahoo Messenger, use a pseudonym.
If your child opens an online e-mail account, don't let them place their account in the public directory (if the site has one).
Avoid listing your name, or your child's name in any public directories and profiles.
Insist your child has your permission to meet anyone in person they know from the Internet, and never allow them to meet anyone alone. Always ensure there is a trusted adult there and the meeting is in a public place.
Don't allow your child to respond to obscene, suggestive, abusive, or threatening messages. If your child receives such messages forward them to your ISP and ask for help.
Never click links or open attachments in an e-mail from someone your don't know. Such links and attachments can contain viruses, possibly with the aim of stealing personal information.
If your child is being subjected to cyber bullying, teach them to turn off their phone, block the perpetrators profile and ignore their messages. Often as in the real world, if the bully gets no response/reaction they go away. Also make sure your child is not a cyber bully. Most social networking and instant massaging services have an abuse policy and method of reporting abuse, use it. Although abuse policies mainly deal with spam, they are increasing including anti-social behaviour in these policies.
Remember these are rules that the whole family should follow. They will provide the whole family with good personal online security.
The online world of chat rooms, web-sites, instant massaging and newsgroups etc offer both children and adults valuable opportunities for peer socialization and knowledge. With common sense rules, and communication, you can help your child avoid unpleasant and dangerous situations in their online activities.
Wayne Jansson is the creator of PC Help Jansant, providing free online computer and network tutorials. Primarily aimed at home and small business users, offering tools to help you attain the skills and knowledge to master your computers. PC Help Jansant also provides a user to user help forum to assist you in your search for answers.
For more advice and help with computers and the internet visit PC Help - Computer Guides - Help With Computers.
Our kids are exposed to more and greater threats online each year. As parents, it is our job to provide an Internet Child Protection Home Plan to effectively guard against this growing problem.
Consider these 3 action steps to get started:
#1. Take Steps to Get Educated on the Latest Internet Child Safety Threats
Depending on the age of your children you should take steps to keep updated on the latest threats and what's being done to prevent them. Fortunately, there are more and more watchdog groups that focus on these trends and you can access their findings online.
Accessing information on different Internet Child Safety Associations is as easy as typing in the phrase "Child Online Protection Association" plus the country or area you live in. Governments are continually working on this growing problem so checking online for this information can provide you with many resources to keep educated on the latest threats.
#2. Establish Internet Child Safety Guidelines at Your Home
Regardless of your children's ages, they need to have guidelines to protect them from harmful information, images and potentially criminal activities online.
Let you children know what is acceptable and what is not acceptable. Also, by keeping computers in a common area of the home, you can carefully monitor their actions. Unfortunately, most children come across these sites without knowing it, so be sure to let them know what to stay away from.
Children must understand the potential dangers of predators on chat lines and to be careful about providing personal information or arranging meetings after school.
Other areas for discussion are cyber-bullying threats and sites with inappropriate images and hate information. You need to let them know to stay clear of those threats.
Establish an open dialog about what your children are working on. You need to know what they are learning and doing online to avoid the potential dangers.
#3. Install Parental Control Filtering Software and Keep it Updated
Using Parental Control Filtering Software will greatly reduce the risk of your child typing in a word that can bring up inappropriate sites which reveal sexually explicit or graphically violence images. They also help you to limit internet usage and monitor their activities.
Keeping updated on Internet Child Safety Practices and taking action to provide the latest Parental Controls within your home can make all the difference in shielding your loved ones from these crimes.
Internet child safety is within your control. Take steps today to ensure your family is secure from ongoing threats with Education, Setting Guidelines and Keeping Up-to-Date on the latest Parental Control Filtering Software.
Learn more about Parental Control Filtering at Child Online Protection Solutions to safeguard your family today.
Two teenagers, including a 13-year-old, are being questioned as part of a police operation targeting child pornography across Adelaide.
SEXUAL Crime Investigation Branch detectives have arrested or reported six people, including a 13-year-old, after thousands of images of child sex and exploitation were seized in raids across Adelaide.
Detectives raided 10 houses from last Wednesday to yesterday acting on intelligence from local and interstate police.
Sexual Crime Investigation Branch Detective Superintendent Steve Ryan said the operation netted a range of offenders.
"Detectives from Sexual Crime Investigation Branch have, over the last few days, arrested or reported six persons for accessing, possessing or disseminating child exploitation material," he said.
"The age of those persons charged ranges from 13 to 66.
"The occupation of those charged includes students, self-employed business persons and pensioners."
Supt Ryan said the offences were serious.
"Each image seized represents a child being abused," he said.
"Police have the capacity to identify computers being used to download child exploitation material.
"If you use your computer to download this material, you can expect police to attend your home or work to investigate these matters."
The operation coincided with National Child Protection Week, which started yesterday, and police have asked parents and guardians to discuss the risks with their children.
"It is appropriate again to encourage parents and guardians to discuss online safety with their children," Supt Ryan said.
"The dangers of placing inappropriate images on social networking sites need to be constantly reinforced."
In the case of the 13-year-old student, police will allege that the student was involved in the production and dissemination of child exploitation material.
