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Children present unique security risks when they use a computer
— not only do you have to keep them safe, but you have to
protect their data on your computer. By taking some simple steps,
you can dramatically reduce the threats.
- Keep your computer in a central and open location
in your home and be aware of other computers your child may be
using.
- Discuss and set guidelines/rules for computer use
with your children. Post these rules by the computer as a reminder.
- Use the Internet with your children. Familiarize
yourself with your children's online activities and maintain a
dialogue with your child about what applications they are using.
- Implement parental control tools that are provided
by some ISPs and available for purchase as separate software packages.
Remember - No program is a substitute for parental supervision.
Also, you may be able to set some parental controls within your
browser. Internet Explorer allows you to restrict or allow certain
web sites to be viewed on your computer, and you can protect these
settings with a password. To find those options, click Tools
on your menu bar, select Internet Options, choose the Content
tab, and click the Enable button under Content Advisor.
- Consider software that allows you to monitor your
children's email and web traffic.
- Consider partitioning your computer into separate
accounts - Most operating systems (including Windows XP, Mac OS
X, and Linux) give you the option of creating a different user
account for each user. If you're worried that your child may accidentally
access, modify, and/or delete your files, you can give him/her
a separate account and decrease the amount of access and number
of privileges he/she has.
- Know who your children's online friends are and
supervise their chat areas.
- Teach your children never to give out personal
information to people they meet online such as in chat rooms or
bulletin boards.
- Know who to contact if you believe your child is
in danger. Visit www.getnetwise.org
for detailed information.
If you know of a child in immediate risk or danger, call law enforcement
immediately. Please report instances of online child exploitation
to the National
Center For Missing and Exploited Children's Cyber Tipline.
Even though children may have better technical skills, don't be
intimidated by their knowledge. Children still need advice, guidance,
and protection. Keep the lines of communication open and let your
child know that you can be approached with any questions they may
have about behaviors or problems encountered on the computer.
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