| Are you the parent of a child or a teen who uses the | | | | a frequently traveled room. You can also limit the use |
| internet? If so, you likely already know that the internet | | | | of certain websites, like social networking websites or |
| can be a dangerous place for a child, especially if your | | | | internet chat rooms. Make them only available when |
| child uses online chat rooms or social networking | | | | you are home or in the same room. If your child has |
| websites. For that reason, there are a number of | | | | their own computer, like a laptop that they can take |
| steps that you, as a parent, will want to take to | | | | anywhere with them, be sure to check the internet |
| protect your child when they use the internet. | | | | history of their computer randomly every week or so. |
| The first step that you should take, to help keep your | | | | Speaking of which, do not let your child have their own |
| child safe online, is to know as much as you can about | | | | login information. When you first turn on a computer, |
| computers and the internet. Did you know that there | | | | you often see a button that says someone's name. |
| are ways for you to see which websites have been | | | | Many families use one standard account. Your child |
| visited on a computer? Did you know that some | | | | can easily create their own. If they do, do not let them |
| computers already have parental controls installed on | | | | have their own password. This can make it difficult or |
| them that just need to be set? You can only benefit | | | | impossible for you to examine their online activities. |
| from these tools that can help to protect your child if | | | | Having you checkup on their online activities may not |
| you know that they do exist. | | | | be something that your teen likes, but you likely |
| Speaking of parental controls, be sure to know what | | | | purchased the computer and you, as the parent, have |
| your computer has. If you have an older model | | | | the right to check. |
| computer, you may benefit from purchasing additional | | | | As it was previously stated, you will want to check the |
| software programs. These programs can easily be | | | | internet history of a child who has their own computer |
| found for sale online or in most media or office supply | | | | or if your child uses the family computer when you are |
| stores. As for the programs that may already be on | | | | not home. If you have Internet Explorer, which most |
| your computer, open up a new Internet Explorer | | | | computers do, open a new internet window. Towards |
| window. From the main headings at the top of the | | | | the top of the page, you will see a menu bar with a |
| page, click on "Tools," and then "Internet Options." A | | | | number of pictured icons. You can check the history of |
| new window will appear; highlight the "Content," tab | | | | a computer by clicking on the icon with a clock and a |
| and right away you will see an option that lets you | | | | small green arrow. This should tell you which websites |
| block certain content from showing on a computer. | | | | your teenager has been viewing online. |
| In keeping with parental controls, don't give into a child | | | | Finally, it is important that you talk with your teenager |
| who complains about them being used. If you create a | | | | about the dangers of using the internet, namely social |
| password to override these controls, which you may | | | | networking websites or internet chat rooms. Teach |
| need if your whole family shares a computer, that | | | | them what to do if they are harassed online or |
| password can also be used for your teenager. Don't | | | | approached by an internet predator. Make sure they |
| give them the password though. Use it to unblock | | | | know not to erase the information, but rather to save it |
| certain sites that they ask and you first approve. | | | | or show it to you right away, especially if you decide |
| Another easy way that you can protect your child | | | | to contact your local police department. |
| when they use the internet is to have the computer in | | | | |