1. Educate Your Children
The first thing you want to do is talk to your child about the proper and safe way to use the Internet. Children, as a rule, are much more trusting than adults, especially to people they can't see or talk to in person. If you just set up software and filters on the computer without sitting the child down and having a frank and honest conversation about Internet safety, all the technical precautions in the world will not work. Explain to them that they must follow the same "stranger danger" rules in the Internet as they do in everyday life. Then, state the rules clearly about the restrictions on typing any personal information on the Internet. Finally, answer any questions honestly and make sure they understand the rules.
2. Contact Your ISP
Call the company that provides your Internet service and ask about the childproofing services that they provide. If your child's room has a dedicated Internet protocol address, the Internet service provider, or ISP, can offer a blocking service for that connection only. This will filter certain web content from the computer. They also may offer some free software solutions, as well. The ISP is a good place to start, but these services are lacking at times.
3. Turn on All the Precautions
Most computers come loaded with a virus and Internet-protection software suite. If you do not have one, purchase and download Norton Utilities or Trend Micro-virus Protection Suite. So many times, parents are worried about their child's personal safety online, and rightfully so, that they forget about the computers safety and the information contained within. In addition to virus protection, you should also install a pop-up blocker and spyware protection software. Finally, turn on the firewalls, which block hackers and other Internet ne'er-do-wells. Both these items usually come standard with virus applications and operating systems.
4. Ready to Email
When the child is old enough and ready to email, you will again need to reiterate the importance of Internet and personal security. After the talk, you will need to use the email software to set up a filter to block and delete any incoming and potentially dangerous spam email. Please consult the email program's instruction manual for more details on how to do this.
5. Covertly Spy
A final action that may provide piece of mind is installing a keystroke logging program. This program will keep a text file of everything your child types on the computer. After all, you have things to do and can't monitor their activity all the time. In addition, there are services and software programs that will not only store the information, but also email you if your child has gone to a restricted site or typed in sensitive information. Take this action with the knowledge that your child may feel that you do not trust him if he finds out about the covert spying, and it can damage the relationship. However, sometimes you have to be the parent.
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