Prevent children from falling prey to internet evils
Technology has advanced in leaps and bounds over the years. Its misuse has grown even faster. Today when children have easy and open access to the internet it is important that parents take effective measures to protect them from on line evils.
IN TODAY’S fast moving world working parents, who don't have time to look after their children, compensate for their absence with fancy gadgets, gizmos and access to internet. This renders children susceptible to a lot on internet evils like online pornography. Technology is here to make our lives more comfortable. We cannot ban it simply because of its possible misuse. We must face it head-on and parents /teachers should be aware and educated about the demerits of Internet use. It would help them to prevent their children from falling prey to cyber crime. They should be offered information on the threats involved in using the facility.
Here are a few suggestions and tips for parents to ensure the safety of their kids from the evil of online pornography;
1. Keep the computer in the family room or lobby
Consider placing your computer in the family or living room rather than in your children’s room. This will increase the chances of catching sight of inappropriate material that your child might encounter online. It also draws in the whole family, which can make the internet a lot more valuable to all concerned. In fact it is a good idea to ask your kid to teach you about online computing as this will generate confidence in him/her.
2. Use blocking features provided by your Internet service provider
Today most commercial services have mechanisms to restrict access to areas inappropriate for children. Check and confirm all these when you register with these services.
3. Block cyber porn with software
There are special softwares available in the market that can screen and block areas that children may try to surf.
4. Create a children's checklist
Make sure your child knows the do's and don'ts of online computing. Never give out personal information (address, phone number). Never arrange a face-to-face meeting. Always remember that the person online may not be what he or she claims to be. Do not let your children have online profiles, so they will not be listed in directories and are less likely to be approached in children's chat rooms, where pedophiles often search for prey. Also, do not allow your children to post send or receive pictures online
5. Establish rules for internet use
Without rules and guidelines, children may feel compelled to try new things, even things they may know are not in keeping with your beliefs. Establish a set of guidelines that reflects your family values. Make sure your child understands these guidelines and agrees to respect them while online.
6. Educate yourself
Become more computer literate and Internet savvy yourself so that you understand what your child is doing on the computer. It would also do you well to know about the basics of a web browser and its functioning so that you may be able to easily keep a check on the sites visited by your kids. Keep checking the `Temporary Internet Files" and "History" folders on your computer on a regular basis to get an idea of the kind of websites your children are accessing.
and finally....
7. Teach your children well
Help your children understand that the computer is a tool for educational purposes and for positive communication. Used as such, they can help children learn and grow and have a lot of fun. At the same time, help them understand that this wonderful tool can sometimes be used by undesirable elements for inappropriate purposes.
Today most commercial services have mechanisms to restrict access to areas inappropriate for children. Check and confirm all these when you register with these services.
3. Block cyber porn with software
There are special softwares available in the market that can screen and block areas that children may try to surf.
4. Create a children's checklist
Make sure your child knows the do's and don'ts of online computing. Never give out personal information (address, phone number). Never arrange a face-to-face meeting. Always remember that the person online may not be what he or she claims to be. Do not let your children have online profiles, so they will not be listed in directories and are less likely to be approached in children's chat rooms, where pedophiles often search for prey. Also, do not allow your children to post send or receive pictures online
5. Establish rules for internet use
Without rules and guidelines, children may feel compelled to try new things, even things they may know are not in keeping with your beliefs. Establish a set of guidelines that reflects your family values. Make sure your child understands these guidelines and agrees to respect them while online.
6. Educate yourself
Become more computer literate and Internet savvy yourself so that you understand what your child is doing on the computer. It would also do you well to know about the basics of a web browser and its functioning so that you may be able to easily keep a check on the sites visited by your kids. Keep checking the `Temporary Internet Files" and "History" folders on your computer on a regular basis to get an idea of the kind of websites your children are accessing.
and finally....
7. Teach your children well
Help your children understand that the computer is a tool for educational purposes and for positive communication. Used as such, they can help children learn and grow and have a lot of fun. At the same time, help them understand that this wonderful tool can sometimes be used by undesirable elements for inappropriate purposes.
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