Kids Internet Safety

Today's kids start on computers by age 2.  By the time they are 15, kids are most likely to be more proficient on the computer than their parents.  Unfortunately, most parents are unaware of how to protect their kids online.  This is where TechPros can help you.

Here are 10 easy steps to protect your kids:

1. Locate your computer in a central location within your house.  Make sure the computer can be easily viewed.

2. Update your computer with the latest security patches from Microsoft.  This will patch your computer from the latest threats.

3. Discuss the internet with your children.  Spend time surfing the internet with them. Show them your favorite websites.  Tell them about the dangers of going to unknown sites. 

4. Protect your computer with a firewall.  Make sure to get both an inbound and an outbound firewall to ensure total protection.

5. Install Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware software on your computer from a reputable vendor.  Norton or Symantec and McAffee are good anti-virus programs but they are both resource and memory hogs.  I would recommend Ewido.  Webroot's Spysweeper is one of the best products out there and I highly recommend it. Both products are linked on the right.

6. If you have Windows XP, turn on the built-in Pop-up blocker.  If you don't have Windows XP, Webroot makes a great Pop-up blocker.

7. Clean your internet cache of all the temporary files.

8. Remove inappropriate content such as images, files, movies, programs, and P2P software so your system is clean and running great.

9. Install Filtering Software on your computer such as NetNanny or CyberPatrol. Both are highly recommended and have many features to control online access.

10. Hire a technology company such as TechPros to install and configure the applications, remove unwanted software, ensure it's protected, and make sure your computer is running optimally.

When kids are young, there are a lot of great websites on the internet that can be informative, educational, and fun.  Here's a small list of sites that TechPros recommends:

1. www.yahooligans.com

2. www.getnetwise.org

3. www.nickjr.com

4. www.disney.com

Here is a recap of the information in our brochure:

Dangers

Chat Rooms & Instant Messaging

Your children may think they are chatting with other kids, and most of the time they probably are.  However, frequently the “kid” they are engaging is an adult with dangerous intentions.

Inappropriate Websites

The Internet is uncensored – your children can come across material that you would never allow.  Violence, pornography, biased propaganda, drug and explosive recipes all can be easily found on the web.

 Phishing or Identity Theft

We all try to keep private information – social security number, phone number, address, etc. – private.   Some people on the internet attempt to get this information from your children.  Many websites can collect personal information without your knowledge.

Email & SPAM

Unwanted messages are sent every day.  At best they are selling something; at worst they are sending images or messages inappropriate for children.  Frequently, SPAM also leaves programs designed to harm your computer such as viruses or spyware.

Parental Control
 

Location, Location, Location

Set up your family computer in a common area, easily viewed.

Internet Use Contract

Define the rules of using the internet, and draft an agreement for you and your children to sign: schedule, downloading, uploading, chatting etc.

Time Management

Establish individual limitations on duration, time and days of the week for accessing the internet.

Online Together

Spend time on the internet with your kids; show them your favorite websites and ask to see sites they visit.

Safe Surfing
 

Programs and Tools

Use available software to record and control your children’s’ internet access.

Filter and Block

Identify key words to separate out websites or features such as Instant Messaging, then restrict access.

Watchful Eye

Monitor your kids’ activities on the internet by logging the websites they visit or even recording their keystrokes.

Good Communication

Schedule emailed Activity Reports for each child and receive alerts of attempted violations.

Make It Easy

Create Bookmarks for age appropriate websites to make them more accessible.

Know Your Stuff

Keep a record of your children’s email addresses, login names and passwords

Protection
 

Stay Current

Keep all software applications updated with the latest version, patches and definitions.

Hardware and Software

• Firewall

• Encryption (wireless networks)

• Anti-virus

• Anti-spyware

• Pop-up Blocker

• SPAM Blocker

• Monitoring Program

• Filtering Application

• Website Restriction