Online Safety Tips for Kids
By Street Smart Kidz' Steven Baird
As parents it is our RESPONSIBILITY to know what our
children are doing online! Our kids don't realize the
danger they are putting themselves in when they agree to
meet people they have only "chatted" with online. These
predators are very convincing in what they type and are
always there to listen to your child when your not.
You can't be home or see what your child is doing online
every minute of every day, but you can make it very
difficult for a predator to invade your home by doing a
few simple things.
1. All computers must be located in high traffic areas.
Laptops must be used in high traffic areas or taken
away.
2. Look over your child's shoulder once in a while and
see what they are doing.
3. Check the computers usage history once a week.
4. If you think something is wrong, it probably is and
you NEED to talk to your child.
5. If your child won't open up about what's wrong
consider purchasing spyware.
6. You can find great products at
www.webwatchernow.com,
www.spectorsoft.com or
www.spytech-web.com which will help.
7. Print the Street Smart Kidz's
My Rules for Internet Safety, sit down with your
child and go over every point. Have them sign it then
post it on the wall beside the computer. If they break a
rule, suspend their computer privileges and if all else
fails get rid of all your computers! Sell them. Buy a
laptop and keep it under lock and key until you need it.
Check out the
Tip of the Week Library.
About Street Smart Kidz: The Street Smart Kid'z program
provides information for parents free of charge to help
keep their children safe. Visit
www.streetsmartkidz.ca for a wealth of Free
information including tips, articles, resources, a Free
children's ID kit and more! Check out the
Tip of the Week Library. |
