Written on February 22, 2010 at 10:48 am by htg-editor

How to Keep Your Kids Safe Online

Filed under Internet no comments

The internet is a big part of modern life and while it’s important that your child should be allowed to use it, their safety must be a primary consideration. Follow the tips in this guide to make sure your childs’ online experience is a positive one.

1. Setup for safety

Place the computer in a central location where your child can be supervised- NOT in the childs bedroom. Customise your computers family settings to make sure that your child does not see unsuitable content by adjusting filtering options. Follow this guide to set up Internet explorer; to adjust Google search results, check that safesearch is set to strict. Alternatively, software is available to filter/monitor internet use such as Cyberpatrol and NetNanny.

2. Set groundrules

Tell your child what time of day they can use the internet and for how long. Choose a time you can use the internet with them or keep a watchful eye on what they’re doing. Mornings and afternoons are the safest times for a child to be online. Explain to them that not everyone online is friendly even if thats how they appear. Make sure they realise a stranger online is no different to a stranger in the street. Make it clear to you child that they should never tell anyone online their full name, where ther go to school or where they live.

3. Know which sites they visit

Get your child to show you their favourite sites or check your computers history. Make sure you know the passwords to any social sites such as Facebook etc. so you can check their messages and emails if neccessary. Sites visited should be appropriate for the age of your child; chatrooms and webchats can be dangerous places for younger children. Any place where they could be contacted privately by strangers should be considered as off -limits unless you can limit chat to people they know only.

4. Talk to your child

Make sure that they know they can be open about what happens online and you won’t be angry no m atter what they tell you. Take an interest in what they look at online and get involved.