I quite often get asked, 'whats the best software for my young children to be protected on the Internet'. Most parents are stunned when I tell them that software doesn't exist. Why ? Simple, there is no software that can do what a living breathing parent can do.
Now, whilst some programs can help, to a degree, they are not 100% bullet proof. The philosophy I like to impart on parents is its like television, there are some programs at certain times that you will let them watch, and there are those programs and times that they will not be allowed to watch.
Use of the computer by young children can have the same philosophy. The best way to know what your child is doing on the computer is to be involved with them.
Here is a basic foundation to help and assist with understanding and maintaining computer usage by young children.
Ask your child what they are doing on the computer if you are not actively sitting with them. If you see a screen that you are not familiar with ask questions about it.
Intensely monitor your children's use of items like Social Networking Sites and Instant Messenger Programs. Most Social Networking sites like Habbo Hotel, Facebook and Myspace are extremely popular with alot of kids and teens.
Social Networking sites are sites that allow people to communicate via a web page, but also allow personal information to be left. I have an article in more detail about this, you can read more about it at the bottom of this article.
Instant Messaging programs are like mobile phones using text messaging, but with a small difference, these programs will allow you to add people as a list of friends that can text one another in real time. In other words one or more people can communicate to each other using text, voice or camera as fast as they can type or talk. So these messages moving back and forth is the same as having a face to face conversation.
If your children are using social networking sites, ask to look at their page, be aware that like instant messaging, people can be added as friends and will not usually use their own names, so you need to know who these people are as listed friends.
Same goes for Instant Messaging programs, who are their friends listed on the program, look at setting up a recording of conversations that your children have with your friends.
Some tell tale signs can be apparent in child behaviour too if you believe something is amiss. Your child may suddenly close a program when you enter the room where the computer is. Your child may be reluctant to talk about their activities or try and change the subject when you ask what they are doing. Obviously further investigation of your child's computer use is warranted.
The main aim of this article is not to scare you, the parent. The aim is to make you more aware of your children's activities and keeping kids computer use a safe experience.
Here are some more resources about how to keep your children safe using the computer and using the Internet.
More information about protecting your kids using the Internet here
Another great article I came across with more information on How TO Protect Your Kids using the Internet here
More information about Social Networking here.
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