SMORGAZ

These recommended safety and security tips are necessary and must be implemented as a first line of defense in helping to keep kids surf safely online:

1. Supervise Computer Use: Keep the computer in a receptive area and be mindful of other computers and other devices kids may be using outside of the home. Placing the computer in an area, such as the kitchen or family room, gives parents the ability to supervise a child’s online navigation. Pay attention to other computer and Internet-enabled mobile devices kids are using. Consult with other parents to encourage them to use safety and security procedures at home.

2. Keep the Lines of Communication Receptive: Use the Internet with your child. Parents should be familiar with their child’s online activities. Interacting with kids online sets the example and provides an opportunity for parents to engage in talks about websites their kids visit and programs they are using.

Parents should be receptive to learning about technology so they can keep up with their kids. Understanding how kids use the
Internet will give parents a better idea of the risks they may face while online.

3. Virtual Parenting: Set-up the family’s Internet service accounts. Parents should take an active role in setting up Internet service accounts, including any online community services kids may join. Parents should periodically monitor accounts to supervise online friends, chat areas and blogs.

4. Cyber Patrol on Duty: Consider installing software that allows parents to monitor where kids go online. Monitoring software gives parents the ability to view activity on the Internet and the authority to check their child’s usual online chat buddies. These programs give parents the self assurance of what their child is doing online and empowers parents to set online boundaries for their kids.

5. Exercising Parental Control: Consider implementing parental control tools. Parental control tools are provided by some Internet Service Providers (ISP) or can be bought as separate software packages. These tools allow parents to cut back websites a child can view from their home computer. Settings are password-protected. Remember no program is an alternative for parental supervision.

6. Cut back Access To Social Networking Sites: Social networking sites are the hippest new meeting places around. Kids, teens, and others utilize social networking sites to enhance their social lives. These sites encourage and allow people to exchange information about themselves and communicate with the world at large, using blogs, chat rooms, email, and instant messaging.

While social networking sites have the ability to extend one’s circle of friends, they also expose users to people who may have bad intentions from peers to sexual predators. In such a case as this, the parent must take steps to use privacy settings to cut back access to the child’s website. Social networking sites provide a variety of privacy settings that limit who can view the child’s website. By using these privacy tools, parents may be able
to approve which friends from school, clubs, teams, and community groups are able to view a child’s profile or blog, or block unknown individuals from accessing a child’s information. On most social networking websites, you can access and change your child’s privacy settings by clicking on account settings.

7. Act Like the Child: Search blog sites kids visit to see what information they are posting. To ensure that kids are not engaging in risky online behavior, it is recommended that parents do a simple online search. Parents can type in their child’s name, nickname, school, hobbies, grade, or residence to check information availability.

8. Pay Attention to Online Photos: Know the type of photos your child is posting online. Kids use various forms of technology to post information and photos online, such as videos and web cams. Photos from camera phones can also be uploaded. Parents should be mindful of the imagery kids post on the Web, these images most likely pose a risk to their kids, exposing them to online predators and strangers.

9. Be a Technical Geek: Secure the family computer by regularly updating the operating system and installing a firewall, and up-to-date anti-virus and anti-spyware software.
The instant a computer is connected to the Internet or an “always on” broadband connection, hackers and thieves can attempt to gain access to the family’s financial and personal information. By securing your computer, you can protect against these Internet intruders and the malicious programs they can download onto your computer.