Parents who openly address and their intentions to monitor their kid’s computers can easily make up for the potential dangers lurking in the internet today. However, the efficacy of internet monitoring software can only do so much, you must be willing to take extra measure to keep your computer and kids are safe online. Here are some things you can do to reduce the risks:
1. Talk to your kids about the potential dangers there is on the internet.
2. Sexual victimization is a crime with unimaginable effects, so don’t be afraid to educate your children about it and use some real examples.
3. As much as possible, surf with your kids and try to find out the usual websites they enjoy visiting.
4. Take the computer out your kid’s bedroom. Kids are naturally curious, and when in they are in their private space, they can be tempted to do things you forbid them.
5. Know your kid’s log-in details such as username and passwords, especially on their email and social media accounts to monitor the regular things they do. This is very important, especially if your kids usually use computers and internet outside your house, such as library and at school. Find out which controls and security features are used for those computers.
6. Teach your kids the responsible internet and computer use. There are so many things Internet can offer other than chat rooms.
7. If your kids met anyone online, especially in Facebook or other social media platforms, explain to your kids how dangerous it is to meet any stranger face-to-face without parental involvement. Again, you can use real examples to show them the dangers.
8. Ask your kids to take out specific personal information which strangers could identify, such as real name, telephone number, mobile number, home address and school address.
9. Lastly, tell your kids not to believe everything they see and read online.