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Keeping Kids
Safe Online
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One of parents' chief concerns in this era of growing
internet dependence for so many of our information needs is how to allow their
kids to benefit from the many wonderful resources on the web, without becoming
prey to predators. This topic is constantly evolving, and no one web
page can begin to adequately discuss all the elements that responsible parents
must consider. However, we'll try to cover the basic points, and include
links to some websites that can provide more in-depth information.
Many parents are intimidated to
broach this subject with their kids because their kids know so much more about
the internet than the parents do. However, just like with our legal
system, ignorance is not a valid defense. Responsible parents need to do
their homework and learn as much as they can. Many websites offer online
tutorials to help parents get up-to-speed. Also consider asking more
computer-literate friends, family, or co-workers to help fill you in.
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from
NetSafeKids.org
"As
indispensable as it is in today’s society, however, the Internet is also a
reflection of society, good and bad. The easy access to information that
makes the Web so special is also at the root of parental and community
concerns about children’s exposure to inappropriate materials and
experiences. Real-world threats like hate speech, religious cults,
harassment, and stalking exist in cyberspace. Particularly alarming for many
parents are
pornography and sexual predators—issues that led to the preparation of
Youth,
Pornography, and the Internet, the National Academies report on which
NetSafeKids.org is based.
It’s easy for a parent to think, “Maybe I’ll just keep my kids offline
entirely.” This might be the best guarantee for safety, but is it a practical
solution? Children can access the Internet from a number of places outside of
the home. In addition, the Internet is such a helpful educational resource
that denying children access to it could put them at a disadvantage as they
prepare for their own future."
"
When
it comes to protecting your kids, technology can help boost your efforts,
especially when you’re not around. But keep in mind that technology isn’t a
cure-all. A safe cyberkid is one who knows how to make informed decisions
about what to do—or not do—online. Children gain this wisdom primarily from
the guidance of a responsible, involved adult."
from
NetSafeKids.org - Filtering & Monitoring Tools
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Implement House Rules
(a.k.a. Acceptable Use Policy / AUP)
You won't win any popularity
contests for establishing rules for use of the computer, but most experts
agree that having them is the best first line of defense. Other aspects
of drafting a written Acceptable Use Policy will be to spell out to kids what
types of content they are to avoid, and how to report abuses or a potentially
unsafe interaction. A good starting point can be found at
ProtectKids.com on their Rules 'n' Tools link.
Here are a few key
points for starters:
- Teach your children to never give personal information over the Internet
- Disallow chat rooms
- Limit your child's
Instant Messaging to a parental approved buddy list.
- Place your computer in a common area where you can easily supervise Internet activity
- Set limits on when and how much time your child spends on the Internet
- If you allow your child
to have an online profile, make sure it does not include any personally
identifiable information
- Tell your children to let you know if anything seems strange to them, if they are asked
personal ("what are you wearing" type) questions, or if their online friend
invites them someplace.
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Software Tools
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Filtering
involves using a type of
software either on your own computer, on the servers of your internet service
provider, or may be a setting you can tailor on certain search engines you
use. For example, Cox Internet service offers a Parental Controls
feature. Filters look for the presence of inappropriate words, known
inappropriate websites, etc. Since no programmatic filter can be perfect,
filters may also screen out some good content along with the bad. Older
and more computer-savvy kids may find a way to circumvent these filters if
they are intent on seeking out such content.
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Monitoring
is a more controversial method,
and involves snooping on your kids to see what sites they have visited
online. There are ways listed described on the NetSafeKids website
under Filtering and Monitoring that walk you through how to examine the
internet browser's History and Cache. Again, super savvy kids may know
how to clean up their tracks. If you strongly suspect something
inappropriate is going on, you can even download and install key-logging
software that will record everything that gets typed in at your keyboard
(similar to the the key-logging spyware. that we usually try to avoid).
The other aspect of monitoring is whether to let it be known in advance or
not. Either way, it can be a delicate trust issue, so proceed with
caution.
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Microsoft's
online topics regarding kids' online safety
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There are many more resources available online -
check your favorite search
engine for more. |
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