The Internet provides a multitude of invaluable services to your family. But with the benefits of having access to the world right from your living room come dangers. Pedophiles can prey on children through the Internet. Con artists can trick children into divulging confidential information. Cyberbullies can torment kids. Though monitoring your child's time online is the best form of protection, some tools and tips can help protect your kids from the dangers of the Internet.
Firewalls
A firewall is a device that helps block unauthorized people from accessing your computer network. If your computer is connected to the Internet, the website CyberAngels recommends installing a firewall. Though firewalls don't offer perfect protection, they are a good first step in protecting your child and your personal information while he surfs the World Wide Web. CyberAngels recommends regularly updating your firewall to help you stay current with updates in firewall technology.
Content Filters
Installing filters is one way to control what type of content your child has access to online. The website Safe Kids suggests installing spam filters that block unsolicited and possibly dangerous or racy emails sent to your child. Your Internet provider may offer filters with your subscription, but if not, you can buy software that provides filters and guides you through the installation process. You can also buy filtering programs that block websites that you deem inappropriate or dangerous for your children. Another type of filter helps prevent your personal information from being distributed via the Internet in the event your child responds to a dangerous solicitation. Check with your child's school to see what type of filters it uses on its computers. They may work for you at home, as well.
Recording Software
The perfect solution to protecting your child from Internet hazards is to sit with her at the computer and monitor everything she sees online. But because such close scrutiny isn't always possible, recording software can come in handy. This type of software records every online action taken on your computer. It also takes a series of random snapshots of the screen. Some types of recording software allow parents to enter keywords to help block types of content they don't want their children to access. Parents can also receive alerts when their children try to access that type of content. "Parenting" magazine writes of an advanced type of recording software that allows parents to remotely view their children's Internet activity in real time.
