Tools & Tips for Parents to Keep Kids Safe Online

Kids are growing up in a digital world--using the Internet at school, at home, and even on their phones and video game systems. While the Internet provides children with easy access to information they need to do school projects and entertainment options such as games, there's also the potential for danger. Parents can use tips and tools designed to help keep kids safe online to protect their children while they're browsing the Internet.

Kids are growing up in a digital world--using the Internet at school, at home, and even on their phones and video game systems. While the Internet provides children with easy access to information they need to do school projects and entertainment options such as games, there's also the potential for danger. Parents can use tips and tools designed to help keep kids safe online to protect their children while they're browsing the Internet.

Develop a List of Rules

Come up with a list of rules your child needs to follow while he's online. The list of rules might include the following: Don't give out personal information such as address and phone number while online, visit only sites that have been approved by mom and dad, and engage in instant messenger conversations and exchange email messages only with people you know.

Ask Questions

Talk to your child about the types of activities he participates in on the Internet. Find out which sites he likes to visit and why, which chat programs he uses to talk to his friends, which sites help him with his homework and what types of things he learns while browsing the internet. Staying in the know can help you identify how your child is using the computer and whether you need to make any modifications to your rules.

Put the Computer in a Central Location

Kids are naturally curious, and this may lead them to visit sites that their parents deem inappropriate. Placing the computer in a central location, rather than allowing your child to keep a computer in his room, can improve online safety. Select an area of the house where other family members can take a glance at the computer screen and recognize unsafe or inappropriate browsing. Select locations such as the family room, recreation room or the basement.

Set Computer Hours

Children's fascination with the computer and the online world can keep them occupied for hours at a time, but it's important for parents to set designated computer hours. With computer hours, parents can monitor their children's computer use more closely. Designated hours also make computer time a reward after doing homework, completing chores and studying.

Block Inappropriate Sites

As a parent, you can control which sites your child visits while he's online by blocking inappropriate websites. Check with your Internet service provider to determine whether it offers a program to black access to certain sites.

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