Kids and Internet- Security Tips
Internet educates, positively influences and provides a creative outlet for today’s kids. But internet can be a confusing and dangerous place too.Internet stalkers and predators are taking advantage of families that are not aware of basic internet safety rules.With right precautions we can safeguard our kids. The following tips will guide parent’s to provide a safe browsing world for our kids.
I. Create separate user accounts
a) Create limited access User Accounts for Kids.
b) Never give administrator privilege for kids.
II. Use age appropriate browsers
a) Use Kid browsers like KidZui, Buddy browser etc.
b) Adjust web browser security settings
III. Block/filter contents – Age wise
a) Use parental control feature in Windows 7, Vista & XP
b) Use software’s like Windows Live Family Safety, K9 Kid protection etc
IV. Set download Limit for kids
a) Use router with QoS capability
b) Use software’s like KidsWatch, PC Time Limit etc.
V. Use antivirus & antispyware
a) Use antivirus software’s like Avast, AVG etc.
VI. Limit Chat Room Access for Kids
VII. Use Mobile Internet Security
a) Use Security Software’s like Norton Mobile Security, F-Secure
VIII. Get alerted
a) Set alerts using software’s like Action Alert if anything suspicious occurs; review the activity
b) Log Keystroke, chat and email using software’s like Refog, Actual, Home Keylogger
IX. Create a set of rules with your child that clearly establish your expectations relating to both safety and ethics
a) Keep the computer in the common room
b) Should never give out personal information on the internet
c) Children should always alert parents when they come across anything uncomfortable
d) Do not respond or open emails and messages from strangers
e) Should never arrange a face to face meeting with someone met online
f) Respect the privacy of other users on the internet, just as you expect your privacy to be respected
g) Don’t steal copyrighted software’s by downloading from the internet. It is a crime.
h) Protect your reputation. Nothing is private online
i) Be a good Cybercitizen
X. If you suspect any online exploitation of your child, report it to local law enforcement agency immediately.
Parents must establish and teach good habits before your child begins communicating online. The more we become involved with our children online, the less likely we will have to deal with dangerous issues involving our kids.
