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That doesn't
mean you should stop your children enjoying the internet, but you
can take precautions to keep them safe.
To
properly protect your children online, you should learn a bit about
the kind of things they're interested in on the net, and then you
can introduce additional software and browser functions to stop
them stumbling across unsuitable sites.
Nothing
foolproof
Always remember that no 'filter' software is 100% foolproof and
that not all of your advice will be taken on board!
You
can't watch over them all the time - but a combination of these
measures can make sure both you and your child get the best, not
the worst, from the web.
No
software can ever replace a parent talking to a child.
Surf
with your kids
The internet is a very positive place for children to explore, and
parents are always shocked by the desire to learn that is inspired
by use of a computer and the world wide web.
Although
you and your child should be aware of the dangers, it is important
to make your child's internet-use a positive and open activity.
Taking
an interest in the places and people your child comes into contact
with on the web prevents any sense of guilt or secrecy that paedophiles
could exploit.
Sit
with them and offer assistance while they surf, and you could also
agree a set time each day for them to use the net - as this creates
a relaxed routine.
If
you worry about them viewing unsuitable material, select a number
of mutually agreed 'suitable' web sites, and put them in a favourites
folder.
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| Internet
Explorer Favourites |
You
can do this using the 'Add Favourites' function in your web browser
when you visit a website you both feel comfortable with.
You could
even consider putting the computer in a 'busier' room in the house,
not so they think you are watching their every move, but so they aren't
hidden out of the way.
Try
talking to them about internet safety and encourage them to be 'smart'
rather than dictating a series of rules.
Check
out CBBC's
safe surfing and BBCi
ChatGuide for some possible suggestions.
Child
safe software
There are many different software packages on the market designed
to protect a web user from viewing any material they don't want
to.
These
software packages register whether a site has unsuitable material
on it - such as violent images or adult material - and it prevents
the site loading in your browser.
Of
course, the settings on this can be altered to filter as little
or as much as you want.
Some
even offer the option of selecting a list of 'good' and 'bad' sites
- where the 'good' sites are the only ones the child can visit,
inside what is sometimes called a 'walled garden'.
Some
popular child safe web filters on the market are Safesurf,
Netnanny, and Cybersitter
although a search for child safety software will bring up the names
of more.
However,
if you want further reassurance, you could visit the government's
internet safety website think
U know and see what they recommend.
It
is important to remember that no internet filter is 100% foolproof,
and a determined child can find a way to navigate around the filter
and view whatever sites they like.
However,
if you have a filter in place, and educate your child how to use
the internet properly, you could both see the benefits.
Secure
browser settings
In addition to security software, you can also change the content
settings of your web browser, so they only show sites that contain
suitable material for your child.
Bear
in mind, these settings are very simple to change and can be switched
off as well as on.
In
Internet Explorer, simply select 'Edit' or 'Tools' from the top
menu bar, then choose 'Internet Options' to open the content settings
window.
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| Internet
Explorer Content Advisor |
You
should be able to select a security or privacy option, which you
can set to whatever level you desire - the equivalents of U, 15
and PG in film ratings.
In
Netscape, select the 'Edit' menu and choose 'Preferences', then
select the 'Security' or 'Privacy' settings before choosing the
level of content you wish your child to have access to.
Safe
chatting rules
Chat rooms and internet messaging services like MSN and ICQ are extremely
popular with children of all ages.
This
is because they get the chance to interact and talk about all kinds
of topics that interest them - but they do pose a difficult child
safety issue.
The
best thing about the internet is its freedom, but it also provides
anonymity for people who can go into chat rooms and pretend to be
something they aren't.
Make
sure your children know that this is true, and encourage them not
to reveal any personal information, such as phone numbers, e-mail
addresses and school locations.
You
won't be able to stop them chatting on the net, so try to encourage
them to use mutually agreed chat rooms that are properly moderated.
Accept
that chat is fun, but make sure they know that they can tell you
about anything that happens in a chat room - however distressing
it might be.
If
your child does receive an unsuitable message, make sure your child
knows that it isn't their fault - it can happen to anyone.
You
should then report the incident to the website or chat room host
- you can also report it to the Internet
Watch Foundation on 0845 6008844 who deal with all illegal
material on the net.
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