A federal law called the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act---which prohibits the collection or use of a child's personal information without parental consent---is designed to protect children while they are on the Internet. Unfortunately, there are still many ways your child can be compromised online. With a few clicks of the mouse, your child can be exposed to pornography, viruses, harassment and even sexual predators. Fortunately, there are many ways to monitor your child's computer usage, even when you are not physically present.
Step 1
Put the computer in the living room or family room instead of in your child's bedroom. According to the KidsHealth website, this can make it easier to monitor the computer's use.
Step 2
Frequently review the History list of your Internet browser. This list, found on the toolbar, shows what sites your child has visited, according to the Microsoft website.
Step 3
Utilize your browser's parental controls. Once you've created a separate user account for your child, some programs, such as MSN 9, will discretely send you an email listing the websites your child has visited, files downloaded and email addresses and messenger IDs of those your child has corresponded with.
Step 4
Use a family email account so you can monitor your child's emails.
Step 5
Install a filter, monitoring or software-blocking program, such as Net Nanny or Norton Online Family, to prevent undesirable images and information from coming onto the computer. The KidsHealth website notes that some Internet service providers offer parental-control options that prevent access to specified material.
Tips and Warnings
- Because you may not always be physically present when your children use the computer, it is important to teach them Internet safety, states the Microsoft website. Tell them to always use nicknames or first names only when visiting chat rooms or playing games. In addition, they should never send or post their pictures, address or phone numbers online.
- The Internet's anonymity can put children at a higher risk of encountering online predators, warns the KidsHealth website. Look for warning signs such as your child spending excessive amounts of time on the computer at night, turning off the monitor suddenly when an adult comes into the room, or receiving telephone calls or gifts from unknown people. Contact the police or FBI immediately if your child has been targeted by a sexual predator, especially if she has been sent explicit images such as pornography.
Things You'll Need
- Filter, monitoring or software-blocking program
