The Internet can be a dangerous place for children, especially if a child is not monitored closely by a parent. A child can easily stumble across violent images, pornography, profanity and other types of content that you as a parent or guardian may not want them to see. Even more dangerous, the Internet is full of predators who may try to lure your child through online chat sessions or instant messaging. To help keep your child safe, monitor their online activity.
Step 1
Click on the "history" button on the toolbar of your Internet browser to bring up the history menu. Search through the history until you find the date and time in which your child was online. Scroll through the websites to see exactly what your child looked at. Open the options folder of your browser to set your history settings to extend as far as possible. This ensures that the history is not being deleted at the end of each day.
Step 2
Purchase a computer monitoring software program either from a local computer store or by downloading the software online. For store-bought software, place the disk in your computer's disc drive and follow the directions for installation and use. For downloaded software, run the software to install it onto your computer and follow the directions for use.
Step 3
Consider purchasing an Internet filtering software that allows you to monitor keystrokes or read chat room or instant messaging conversations. Some software may also allow you to completely block these features all together. Internet chat rooms are often places where predators can lurk, pretending that they are children or teenagers in order to talk to your child or lure them online.
Step 4
Set up email alerts if your purchased monitoring software allows you to do so. Email alerts are sent to your email address any time your child tries to access a website that is inappropriate or that conflicts with the Internet blocking settings you have set on your filter.
Step 5
Keep your computer in a public area, such as the living room or den. Set up an access password on the computer that only you know by accessing the security settings in your computer's control panel. Log your child in each time they want to use the internet, and then log them out once they are done. Be sure that you only allow them to use the Internet during times that you are home and can physically monitor their use.
Things You'll Need
- Computer monitoring software
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