For more tools you can use at home, check out the links page.
The Real Dangers to Kids Online and How to Avoid Them
By Joshua F. Finer, MBA - President, Software4Parents.com
Software4Parents.com's Top 5 Internet Safety Tips
1. Tell your child to NEVER EVER reveal their name,
address, phone number or any other personal information to
ANYONE online. Once you give out this information, it is
impossible to retract.
2. Communicate regularly (not just once) with your child
about WHAT they do online and WHO they talk to online. If
you have actually met the friends they are talking to in
person, you'll know it is OK for them to chat with them
online.
3. Take computers out of kids' rooms and put them into
public areas such as the family room. Many parents think
they are helping with homework by giving the kids a
computer, but it also opens certain dangers that you may
be unaware of.
4. Choose your child's screen name, email address or
instant message name wisely - don't' reveal ages, sex,
hobbies, and CERTAINLY NOT suggestive or sexy names.
Predators are more likely to pursue a child with the
screen name "sexyteen5" than "happygirl5"
5. Use technology to help you protect your child.
Monitoring software gives you the ability to review your
child's Internet usage. Even if you don't look at each
and every email or instant message they send, you'll have
a good idea if they are making smart choices online.
The Internet can open many doors and provide useful
information for children. An aware and informed parent
can help keep children safe.
