Keeping children safe online

The Internet can be a good learning experience for children. But at the same time it can also be a dangerous place if they are left unmonitored. Here is how to make the browsing safe for them.

ENVIRONMENT: Be involved in your child's Internet activities. This will also let you supervise them.

• Keeping the computer in an open area can be a deterrent for the child to not do something that is forbidden.
• Monitor computer activity by regularly checking history. Also make sure that you know your child's email password.
• Partition the computer in such a way that there is a child-safe account with all the other stuff behind a password.
• Tell children not to interact with strangers online in any way.
• Tell them not to disclose phone numbers or addresses online.
• They should also not send photographs to strangers or meet them offline without their parents.

SOFTWARE: Block inappropriate content by activating parental controls in Windows.

• The Windows Live Family Safety and other such software helps filter information based on a child's age. You can also limit searches, block
• or allow certain websites, and monitor what children do online.
• Even Mircrosoft XBox and other game software have parental controls that prevent children from playing inappropriate games or content.
• Block sites and downloads that might be a risk to your security and privacy. Free games, free music, animated toolbars and other downloads
• can expose your computer to spyware and malware. Teach children not to download anything without your permission.
• Adjust web browser security settings to allow only websites with the highest security levels.
• Install browsers like Kidzui, Pikluk and Kidrocket that limit their access to kid-safe websites. Some of them browsers even prevent the children from downloading stuff or access drives in the computer.

Courtesy: Gadgets and Gizmos