April 1st, 2010
Relying solely the safety of your kids while they use the internet to different security softwares you have installed is a complete misinterpretation of what these softwares are all about. You must understand that computer programs designed to keep your kids from accessing certain sites aren’t the solution to keep your kids safe. Because believe it or not, your kids can still visit bad sites even if your computer has all sorts of web filtering systems available. How? By disabling it or finding a way to bypass the current security configuration of your computer.
It is important therefore that you get personally involved with the activity of your kids online. Thus, these are the things you should do: (this is not to say, however, that web security software isn’t useful; it only says that parents shouldn’t use security features from web security software, search engine, and web browsers as alternatives to actual physical presence and proper guidance.)
1. Educate yourself.
Knowing what you are doing ensures that you get the things you want to achieve. This also goes when it comes to the safety of your kids on the internet. Make sure that you know what you are taking about so that they will understand what you are saying and in turn, will yield to the result you are expecting.
You can’t simply tell them “do this and don’t do that” without knowing why. So, learn the internet, understand the threat, know where threats can come from, learn the language your kids use online, and go to number 2.
2. Teach.
Teach your kids how to safely use the internet. Here are some of those:
• Follow specific guidelines on the proper use of the internet.
• Never give personal information to other people they meet online.
• Never visit bad sites.
• Never use real name online.
• Never become an online bully.
• Never open spam mails. Never download attachments from unknown senders.
• Tell parents right away if they feel uncomfortable with someone or something they encounter online.
3. Remind
Sometimes, it isn’t enough to teach your kids what they should do and what they shouldn’t in one sitting. You need to keep on reminding them about it all the time. The effective way to do it though isn’t through constant verbal approach but through the paper. Make a list of the things that your kids should and shouldn’t do while using the internet. This will stand as the rules. Post it near the computer where they can easily see it.
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March 29th, 2010
Being extra cautious when using the Internet is important; I bet your parents have mentioned these so many times already. But why? If your parents have missed explaining them to you, then here are those:
Don’t…
Give any private information about yourself to other people you meet online such as your name, home address, phone number, email address, password, school information, and bank or credit card number.
Why?
Online predators use instant messaging and chat rooms to look for kids like you who are open to giving information about yourselves. The information would then be used against you whether for financial or sexual purposes. Making sure that they don’t know things about you keeping you safe. So, if a stranger asks you these things, ignore them immediately.
Don’t…
Reply to, download attachment from, or open spam.
Why?
Replying to spam only confirms that your email address is accurate which results to more spam to come. Spam is a good source of computer viruses so unless you want to crash your computer down and lose all your files, never download attachment from spam. What is the best way to avoid spam? Delete it immediately.
Don’t…
Arrange a personal meeting with anyone you meet online.
Why?
People aren’t exactly who they say they are online. There may be several nice guys out there but a significant number of people using the internet particularly the instant messaging and chat rooms are online predators that so betting say no immediately. Never hide from your parents if you are asked by a stranger to schedule a meeting with them.
Don’t…
Change the security setting or filtering software that your parents have configured.
Why?
Your parents know what are good and bad for you and they know what sites are right for your age. Okay, you may be growing up and are curious about adult websites or engage in online activities but still, you shouldn’t suppose to visit them. If you really want to know things about sexuality, then visit medical sites. Also, if you change your computer’s security settings or disable filtering software, you can attract spyware, adware, and computer virus which may affect the performance of your computer and may put your files at risk.
Don’t…
Use peer-to-peer file-sharing programs.
Why?
Sharing files using peer-to-peer file-sharing programs may be the best thing in the world for you but remember this: viruses, spyware, and adware are known to thrive in these programs. Avoid using these programs and you avoid all these internet-based threats.
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March 28th, 2010
Monitoring your kids’ use of the internet by sitting with them is the most ideal way to keep them away from all the threats possible online. But this isn’t possible all the time. So, to make sure that your kids are safe using the internet when you aren’t around, there are a number internet safety rules that your kids should know.
1. Follow the specific time to use the computer. Explain to them why there is a need to set internet time. Let them develop obedience as a virtue and a sense of responsibility for their actions.
2. Never share personal information to strangers you meet online. These include: name, home address, phone number, email address, password, school information, bank account information, and credit card numbers. Online predators are everywhere and their main targets are your kids who are innocently giving their personal information that can put their safety on the line.
3. Never engage in online gambling. Gambling is simply, taking risks. And most of the time the risks are high.
4. Use a pseudo name or nickname when using instant messaging or entering chat rooms.
5. Avoid filling out online contests, surveys, and registration forms. They ask too much personal information including email address. Take note that spammers can collect email addresses from the web using programs such as bots, crawlers, and spiders.
6. Never open, download attachments, and reply to emails from unknown senders. The best way for spammers to know if the addresses are correct is by receiving a reply. So teach your kids to remove spam immediately from their inbox. Also, attachments from spam usually contain viruses that can cause damage to your file and computer.
7. Stay in moderated public chart rooms and avoid private chats. This will keep your kids away from harassing other people.
8. Teach them to ask permission first before meeting up with someone you meet online. The rule of the thumb is clear: never trust anyone you meet online. People may not be who they say they are.
9. Check before downloading anything. There are free downloadable programs on the internet with free spyware and viruses as well. Ask your parents first about the program even if the programs come from reputable sites.
10. If you see some images or web contents that are disturbing, tell your parents right away.
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Tags: Internet, Safety, Soem, Tips | No Comments
