You don’t have to become an expert on the Internet to help protect your children. Here are 5 basic tips that will help you stay informed and make good decisions when it comes to protecting your kids.
1. Talk to your kids: The best way to protect your kids online is to talk to them.
Research suggests that when children want important information, most rely on their parents. Start early. Kids see their parents using all kids of devices. As soon as your child is using a computer, a cell phone or any mobile device, its time to talk to them about online behavior and their personal safety.
2. Educate yourself: Staying informed as a parent can become quite overwhelming. Go To our {Internet Safety Resources} page to gain a better understanding of the dangers and ways to protect your child.
3. Protect your family and your computer: Anti-virus software such as McAfee, Norton or Avira (free) can help protect your computer from being infected by a virus. If your children are using the family computer and exploring the many fun places online, then you can run the risk of infecting your computer. Viruses cannot only damage your computer, but can put you at risk to Identity Theft as well.
4. Monitor their Social World: Let’s face it. Our children are our greatest most precious gift. As a parent, it is our job to protect them and keep them safe. Children are social and will use the many Social Networking sites to reach out to friends. Be sure you are informed of any suspicious, inappropriate, or illegal activity that may be occurring online.
5. Create an Acceptable Use Policy: We think it’s a good idea to have a family plan. Here is an example of an Online Safety Pledge. Be sure you and your child read this pledge and have it posted near your computer. As they get older, you may decide to make changes or give more privileges to their online use.
1. Talk to your kids: The best way to protect your kids online is to talk to them.
Research suggests that when children want important information, most rely on their parents. Start early. Kids see their parents using all kids of devices. As soon as your child is using a computer, a cell phone or any mobile device, its time to talk to them about online behavior and their personal safety.
2. Educate yourself: Staying informed as a parent can become quite overwhelming. Go To our {Internet Safety Resources} page to gain a better understanding of the dangers and ways to protect your child.
3. Protect your family and your computer: Anti-virus software such as McAfee, Norton or Avira (free) can help protect your computer from being infected by a virus. If your children are using the family computer and exploring the many fun places online, then you can run the risk of infecting your computer. Viruses cannot only damage your computer, but can put you at risk to Identity Theft as well.
4. Monitor their Social World: Let’s face it. Our children are our greatest most precious gift. As a parent, it is our job to protect them and keep them safe. Children are social and will use the many Social Networking sites to reach out to friends. Be sure you are informed of any suspicious, inappropriate, or illegal activity that may be occurring online.
5. Create an Acceptable Use Policy: We think it’s a good idea to have a family plan. Here is an example of an Online Safety Pledge. Be sure you and your child read this pledge and have it posted near your computer. As they get older, you may decide to make changes or give more privileges to their online use.
