Teen Checkup | Internet Safety

5 Ways to Protect Kids Online

Every morning, about 6am, I sit down with a cup of coffee and scan my favorite blog. I love the parenting blogs, but lately I’ve really been getting into technology. Call me a geek, but I want to know about the latest and greatest gadgets and gizmos out there. Today, I opened up Daily Cup of Tech  and read “Ways to Protect Your Children Online“.This post was so informative, I just had to pass it along to you.

Read it… learn from it… enjoy it!

1. No Private Computers

It is fine for your kids to have their own computers but they should be kept in a public location. This means that they do not keep them in their bedrooms. The family rec room or a common office is where they should be. That way, they will not feel as if they have the opportunity to slip one past you.

2. Filter the Internet

Some free Internet filters include:

• Naomi
• ParentControlBar
• Parental Filter
• KidRocket
• BlockSite Firefox Extension

3. No Internet Without an Adult

You should not let your children on the Internet unless there is a responsible adult available. This means that if your young people are home when you are not, they are not on the Internet. You need to be able to lock the Internet out in order to do this.

There are several ways that you can lock out the Internet. Typically, this is done with either software that requires a password or a hardware “key” that you need to put into the computer to give them access.

4. Monitor your Children’s Computer

Periodically, check the web filter logs and your history on your children’s computers. Make sure that you know where they are going and what they are doing.

5. Establish Computer Rules

Create a list of rules for using the computer. Make posters of these rules and post them by the computers. Create a contract that both you and your children sign obligating them to follow the rules.

This post was written by: Erin

Tags: Internet Security, Kids, protection

Alerts, Tips Block Bullies

This just keeps getting better and better. Everyday I’m hearing about new and improved tools designed to keep kids safe online. Just today, in fact, I was blown away by an InformationWeek article citing two firms that are really grabbing hold of the cyber-bully problem.

Let me introduce you now to CyberPatrol and LookBothWays. These firms have created innovative tools that are not only keeping a watchful eye on cyber-bullies, they also block downloads, restrict chat, and even prevent inappropriate language.

Let me explain.

One of their handy tools is called CyberBully Alert. It lets kids instantly notify selected adults when they are bullied or harassed online. The alert system also documents the threatening message by saving a screen shot of the child’s computer when the child triggers an alert. This program is compatible with most computers and web browsers. It only requires a simple download and registration. It’s up to the parents to select which e-mail addresses and phone number will receive the alerts.

Another tool for parents and kids is the CyberPatrol blog. Next to ours here at TeenCheckup.com, CyberPatrol also offers helpful safety advice as well as an Internet Safety Video Podcast Series on its blog site.

Now, you’re probably wondering what CyberPatrol and LookBothWays are all about. My investigative work yielded some impressive results. Turns out these companies really know what they’re talking about. LookBothWays provides online safety consulting to governments, law enforcement, and other organizations. Meantime, CyberPatrol is one of the “go-to” Internet sites for everything, from parental control software that blocks websites to monitoring Internet activity.

Let us all herald CyberPatrol and LookBothWays. They are among the great innovators in Internet safety.

This post was written by: Erin

Tags: alert, Cyber Bully, inappropriate language, protection, restriction, security