Getting started (Safer surfing)
It’s no secret that cyberspace is rife with inappropriate material for kids. Recent news reports, however, have highlighted the even scarier, dangerous side of what can happen when kids get on the Internet. So what’s a concerned parent to do?
Start with a crash course in Web safety. We’ve provided an overview here. You can learn even more at these sites:
“ www.fbi.gov/publications/ pguide/pguide.htm
“ www.onguardonline.gov/ socialnetworking.html
Kid-friendly search engines
Special search engines are being developed to return only pre-approved sites for youngsters. The sites are continually screened so even without filters, if kids begin all searches at askforkids.com, for example, they will not stumble upon inappropriate content. The returned sites also are more likely to be fun, interesting and more usable for kids.
“http://yahooligans.yahoo.com/
“http://sunsite.berkeley.edu /KidsClick!/
Cyber bullying
More than 40 percent of fourth- through eighth-graders report having been bullied or harassed online, according to I-Safe America, an organization promoting Web safety. Mean-spirited photos are posted, vicious instant messages sent and harassing e-mails fill inboxes. A few things to note:
“Do not share private or personal information such as passwords, even with friends.
“Document harassment with screenshots or printouts.
“Do not respond to any unscrupulous e-mails.
“Contact your Internet Service Provider, local authorities or school officials to report suspicious activity.
Software such as eMailTrackerPro can trace where harassing messages originate. Your ISP can do the same. Some filters such as McAfee will block instant messaging and chat room access.
Resources:
“http://csriu.org/
Video game controls
Parents can set the maturity level of games and movies allowed on their child’s Xbox, and the PlayStation 3 will soon follow suit. It’s a fairly minor task for a dedicated teen to figure out a way around the controls, so check the settings regularly.
“Remove any disks from the Xbox and turn it on.
“From the dashboard, select Settings – Parental Control.
“Select a four-button passcode by pressing those buttons (remember the sequence).
“Select Games and choose the appropriate rating level.
“Check and change the pass code regularly.
To see how tech-savvy kids get around the parental controls, search the Internet for “Xbox parental controls.”
Internet filters
Nearly all available filters do an excellent job of blocking pornography, but they are not as effective at blocking hate sites and those promoting drugs or violence. Filters also may block content you may want children to have access to such as drug education and civil rights issues.
A detailed review of various filters was compiled by Consumer Reports in June 2005. The online version can be found at www.consumerreports.org (search the site for Internet filters).
Pop-up blockers
Most Internet browsers now offer easy protections to this modern-age nuisance. Individual browsers require only minor variations of the following steps to eliminate pop-ups forever. For Internet Explorer browsers, select “Tools” and “Pop-up Blocker.” Then click “turn on pop-up blocker.”
Social networking sites
Much to the alarm of parents, children often post far too much personal information on Web logs, or blogs, which can be easily viewed and exploited by the unscrupulous. Tightly screened sites are being launched for younger children and stricter controls are being added to MySpace.com. The same rules still apply, however, on what children should divulge.
“Do not use your full name.
“Never give out your address, phone number, PINs or passwords.
“Do not meet someone in person whom you’ve met online. If parents decide meeting someone is OK, they should attend the first meeting to check the person out.
Kids should be reminded frequently that if an online friend begins asking questions that make them uncomfortable, such as whether they’ve been kissed or other intimate questions, to tell a grownup.
Parents should contact their Internet Service Provider or the site administrator (use the “contact us” link of the Internet provider’s home page) to report suspicious behavior. Upcoming sites to watch for and consider as alternatives for your kids:
“http://yfly.com/
To find your child’s MySpace page: Go to myspace.com, click on the search tab at the top of the page and enter your child’s name, screen name or e-mail address in the “Find a Friend” box.
How to “Google”
Expertise in using search engine is one of the best ways to keep on top of the newest techniques kids are using. Google your children once in a while to see if any personal information appears on the Internet.
“Go to www.google.com.
“Enter what you want to search (Xbox parental controls, Internet filters, child’s name) in the white box.
“Click on Google Search.
Just a few searches can forever change the way you use the Web.