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How to Keep Your Kids Connected and Protected!
Supervise Computer Use: Keep the computer in an open area and be aware of other computers and other devices children may be using outside of the home.
Keep the Lines of Communication Open: Use the Internet with your child. Parents should be familiar with their child’s online activities. Parents should be open to learning about technology so they can keep up with their children and understand the risks they may face while on the Internet.
Monitoring Software: Consider installing software that allows parents to control where children go online. Monitoring software gives parents the ability to view activity on the Internet and the authority to determine their child’s usual online chat buddies.
Computer Settings: Secure the family computer by regularly updating the operating system and installing a firewall, and up-to-date anti-virus and anti-spyware software.
Example: Facebook Applications ~ the simple, innocent looking applications that ask things like, “How many children will I have, or who would you want to be stranded on an island with.” These are third party companies and Facebook doesn’t test all of them. They may have malicious codes or trojans imbedded in them to grab your personal account information.
Search blog sites that children visit: It is recommended that parents do a simple online search of their child’s name, nickname, school, hobbies, grade, or residence to determine information availability.
GOGGLE YOUR CHILD’S NAME IN “QUOTES”
Pay Attention to Online Photos: Know the type of photos your child is posting online. Children use various forms of technology to post information and photos online, such as videos, web cams, digital cameras, camera phones.
Be Upfront With Your Child: Let your child know that you will be checking their profiles, websites, cell phones, etc. because you care! TAKE CHARGE!
Children today view being connected as a birthright . . . it’s a privilege!
