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