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KEEP THEM
SAFE? |
The Internet is the most wonderful educational tool we could
give our children. But we can't ignore the fact that its underside is dark
and terrifying place. It's a world where no on has a face, a voice or a gesture,
a world where predators can be disguised as anyone, a world where typing as a
simple innocent word can unleash a slew of horrific pictures or words.
As parents we struggle with the fine line of being prudent and
being paranoid. When it comes to the Internet, that job is especially
difficult because often we are learning about its perils alongside our
children.
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Here are some guidelines gleaned from computer and family
experts:
| Many ISP (who you use to get online) offer filtering
programs, that keep inappropriate content from entering your Internet
experience. You can even buy software that you load on your own
computer to limit what can be viewed on the Internet. Not all
filtering programs are alike. Use online statistics, found in links
below to see what is the best filtering program for you and your family. |
| Find out what your kids do online. Get in the habit
of asking. Especially know how to monitor chat sessions, instant
messaging and E-mail. |
| Supervise online activities. (1) Keep the
computer in a public place. (2) Limit time spent online. (3) Remind your
kids that E-mail isn't private. (4) Consider protective software. |
| Build your child's defenses. (1) Play what-if-games.
(2) Discuss the difference between online and real-life relationships. |
| More.... |
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Tools to Set Rules - Our Windows Computer Already Has FREE LIMITS
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Both of the browsers (Internet Explorer and Netscape
Navigator) have built in tools that let you block inappropriate sites.
| Netscape - The parental controls reside in an area
called Netwatch. To access Netwatch, click on Help. Drop down menus
let you screen sites on the basis of language, violence, nudity, sex,
intolerance, drug use, gambling, or other adult topics. (Netscape uses two
independent Web-site rating systems called RSACi and SafeSurf- you can
choose either or both.) A check box on this page lets you determine
whether your browser can access non-rated sites. Choose a
password to protect the settings. If you want to visit a blocked site,
the password will let you disable the blocking. Don't forget the
password, no one else can help you retrieve it.) |
| Internet Explorer - Click on Tools then Internet
Options then pick the tab that says Content. Click the Enable button
in the Content Advisor box. Internet Explorer uses the RSACi rating
scheme to block sites. Us the slider bar to decide where the Internet
Browser can explore. Click on the Approved Sites tab and then enter
any specific addresses you want to override the Content Advisor.
Select the General tab and mark the check box if you want the browser
to access non-rated sites or to change your password. |
| Access controls are also available on America Online.
If your children don't have their own online identities, go to the keyword:
Parental Controls and create them by clicking on Create Screen Names.
You can assign a unique set of controls for each child. You can limit
them in eight categories: E-mail, Chat, Instant Messages, The Web,
Additional Master (both parents can have control to screen names),
Downloading, News Groups, and Premium Services (ban access to online
gambling). |
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Reading List - Good Books
| The Parents Guide to Protecting Your Children in
Cyberspace, by Parry Aftab (McGraw Hill, $12.95) |
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Web Sites on Children's Privacy
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