Protecting Your Kids

Computers and especially Internet can be a scary place to let your children play.  There are viruses and worms that can cause issues with computers and worse still there are many things that they should not see and online predators. Thankfully there are many allies that can help you. 

First of all it is very important that you install up to date anti virus and anti spyware software.  We have talked about this in previous columns.  Some of the best anti virus software is Windows Live One Care, Norton products and McAfee.  Don’t rely on what came with your computer – it is probably expired.  To control what users can do and see online -  you have various options.  You can use the Content Advisor in Internet Explorer (under tools/Internet Options) to control what sites they can go to or you can have it use one of the rating systems to establish this control.  There are also several add-on  products such as CyberSitter and NetNanny that will give you more comprehensive protection.  However technology is not a replacement for good parenting.  It is important that you take an active role in what your child is doing and monitor their online activities.  It is also important to have them understand the danger.  Computers should be located in a common room. 

We recommend that parents develop a set of rules and guidelines for online computer use; including:

§  Do not communicate with strangers

§  Do not upload pictures of themselves or send pictures to others digitally.

§  Never give out identifying information such as name, home address, school, etc.

§  Never respond to any messages they receive from strangers.

§  Understand that anything they are told online may not be true.