Protecting Our Kids
What’s a parent to do?
Limited Access Account for Kids
Creating a limited access account for your kids allows them to change their desktop and other personal settings without affecting yours. It also keeps them from installing things that could adversely affect your computer, like viruses or installing off the wall free software that causes computer crashes.
See what sites they visit regularly
Go over the sites they regularly visit with them. Figure out what is appropriate. Check their Browser History. Visit those sites with them. See what they are doing. Some sites to monitor include myspace.com, any chat rooms, any Instant Messengers (IM) like AIM, Yahoo Messenger, MS Messenger, IRC, etc.
Suspicious activityHave them sign a computer usage contract (like
http://www.komando.com/kids/commandments.aspx). If they are on computer too much, set a time limit. If you suspect something, ask them. If it gets really bad, spy on them. If you suspect your child is at risk, then respecting their privacy may not be a good choice. They can get hurt by online predators. Did you know gang recruitment is online?
What your child faces in today’s technical world…that you did not
Cell Phones that do more than make phone calls – Other kids taking pictures or videos with cell phones in the locker rooms. All it takes is someone to get mad, before it is all over the school. Imagine how you would feel.
Personal Websites – Sites like myspace.com where kids have online sites. These sites can be a great, however kids can also say some hurtful things; like post animations that make fun of other children. Many schools have policies around such activities. Personal sites are also a great place for online predators to learn more about your child’s habits and locations, so be careful what is posted and who has access to your child’s site.
Being connected all the time – In my day, when you went home you left the bully or others that you did not get along with at school. Today your kids take it with them, this could be text messages or that personal blog (web log) each ‘click’ in school reads. The point is with no escape your child can quickly become depressed, retaliatory, or even suicidal.