[FREE NO OPT-IN] Got kids? Keep them safe online!

Hi Barry - you link is not directing us to a good page.

Hi

That is a direct download link. I just tested it and it is fine. You will get a download of the PDF by clicking it.

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Hello,
I have compressed a short resume here just in case you ant get the download link to work!

Mauri

7 Tips to Keep Your Child - Safe on the Internet

Tip 1: Talk to Your Kids
Good communication will help prevent problems
It is never too early to talk to your kids about being safe on the internet.
Learn to talk to your children. The absence of a dialogue about internet safety is
perhaps the biggest reason why children veer off entering sites they are not
supposed to or do things online that are dangerous.

Tip 2: Establish Some Boundaries
Get an understanding
Following on from your ‘Internet talk’ it is a very good idea to establish
some agreed boundaries for using the computer and accessing the internet.
You should establish ground rules for your child’s conduct when online including
the posting of private information and images in chat rooms, forums and social
networking sites.

Tip 3: Supervise Internet Use
This tip is rather more achievable for the younger children. Older kids and
teens will not thank you for looking over their shoulder constantly. That does not
mean, however, you let the older kids loose without checks and monitoring.
The success of this strategy is largely dependent on situating the computer in
the best possible place. You need to at least be in the same room as your kids
as they are using the computer to make sure that you can keep an eye on what
is going on. Position the computer in an open area where you can glance across
easily.

Tip 4: Block Offensive Content
Filters and settings
This would seem to be the most sensible measure…just disallow any
objectionable content from the web. However, without getting dedicated
software it can be more problematic and difficult.
You can set up user accounts with limited software and security settings for your
kids but that will not protect them online. Browsers often have filters but are
notoriously unreliable. The problem is that some stuff will creep round the filter
and also, when you want to browse normally, the filter will remove innocent
content as a false positive (bikini- clad ladies on a travel or vacation site may
trigger the filter, for example).

Tip 5: Limit Online Chat & Messaging
Forums, and chat rooms are considered high risk areas for teens online. They
are usually niche-targeted to specific areas of interest for children and are free
and easy to join.
The anonymity that members enjoy can lead to a false sense of security.
“Friends” made in these sites are assumed to be good people and are trusted
easily. Private information such as addresses, phone numbers can be given
over. Images can be uploaded. One can only imagine the sort of things a ‘skilled’
older predator could extract from a trusting, impressionable 13 year old, for
example.

Tip 6: Use Safe Settings
It is a good idea to find where the safe settings are on all of the online
services you use.
Search engines, such as Google, have safe search functions which can be set
to ‘off’, ‘moderate’ or ‘strict’. Usually they are set to moderate by default. This will
limit the danger of adult sites being delivered in search results for both websites
and image searches. Beware, though, it is not 100% effective and the
occasional rude photo will get through.
Social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace also have safe modes and
privacy settings. These should be explored by the parent and implemented. Now
you see why it is important to know your way around these sites, even if you
have no interest in using them yourself.

Tip 7: Time Limit Browsing Sessions
This will not prevent your child from straying into dangerous internet waters but
it will ensure that they use the internet sensibly and they will not start surfing
away from their favourite sites out of boredom.
If the child’s computer and internet time is limited to, say, 45 minute sessions
then that time will be taken up doing the things they like to do. If they are online
for hours on end, boredom will mean that they will start checking other things
out…sometimes things you wouldn’t want them to!!

Bonus Tip: Encourage Offline Activities

This really leads on from the previous tip. It is very easy to treat the computer as
some kind of digital babysitter, a bit like TV was used in the 60s, 70s and 80s.
Do not fall into this trap. You will find that your kids will be irritable and less
inclined to be active if they are on the computer all of the time. Real social
interaction is important so make sure they do not rely purely on interacting on
the net.
Also, child obesity is reaching unheard of levels and apart from poor diet, a
sedentary lifestyle a major factor in causing this.
So get your children out into the fresh air….internet time is important but so is
balance!

Enjoy

I have also a kid and this will help me,.