PC and Internet Safety Tips for Parents
With the Internet came many wonderful things. Access to large amounts of information to assist with homework, research projects, and hobbies just to name a few. But unfortunately some of the information isn't suitable for our children.
We teach our children safety rules such as don't talk to strangers, never open to door when you are home alone, and keep your room door open when your friends are over. The Internet has now made it important to apply those and other safety rules to the Internet.
There are a few ways for a PC to have Internet access once you have an Internet Service Provider (ISP) such as AOL or MSN.
- Dial-Up Modem - The PC has a dial-up modem installed and a phone line connected. In general, you want to disable long distance dialing on your PC dial-up modem line. The number you dial to connect should be a local number.
- Cable or DSL Modem - The PC has a network card that allows the modem to connect.
Here are some tips to help avoid problems with the PC and the Internet.
- Install virus scanner software and keep it up to date.
- Install a firewall. That can be a piece of hardware such as a router or a software program.
- Regularly back up your important files to CDs, tape, or DVDs.
- Keep the computer(s) with Internet access in a common area with the screen visible to a passerby. Don't allow PCs with Internet access in your child's bedroom or other private place.
- Know your child's passwords to email accounts and instant messenger accounts.
- Ask your child who they are email or instant messaging with.
- Be aware that there are many different storage devices available. Some such as an external hard drive, a CD or a floppy are easier to see. With the Flash Drives, your child can carry around large amounts of data on a small device.
- Check your Internet history to see where your child has been. View the cache and temporary Internet files.
- Look into installing filtering, blocking, and/or monitoring software on your PC. Check with your ISP to see what is available.
- Tell your child to never give out personal information such as age, sex, or location to anyone on the Internet. They are in fact a stranger.