Protecting Children on the Net

Today kids love getting on the web. They meet new people, find interesting information, enjoy great games, and more. However, a lot of children don't really know how dangerous the Internet can be. As parents, it's important that we protect our kids. So, here's a look at dangers on the net, some steps to protecting kids online, and why software can be a top protective method to use in your home.

The Dangers on the Net for Kids
You'll find that there are many different dangers on the net for kids today. In fact, you may not even be aware of them. Here are five of the top dangers you need to be aware of.

- Danger #1 - Malware - Malware essentially refers to malicious software, such as viruses, adware, Trojans, and adloaders. These can cause harm to your computer and in some cases allow people to get hold of your sensitive information. Many kids accidently download it or go to sites that put it on your computer.

- Danger #2 - Identity Theft - Sometimes kids respond to phishing scams or even give out private information. This can set them up for identity theft.

- Danger #3 - Content Inappropriate for Kids - There is a huge amount of inappropriate content on the web and it's easy for kids to get to it. The last thing you want is your kids stumbling across nasty porn or graphic violence on the web.

- Danger #4 - Online Bullying - Online bullying is more common than many people realize. In some cases it has led to depression and even suicide. You don't want your child to be a victim of it or to engage in it either.

- Danger #5 - Online Predators - This is the nightmare of every parent. There are many online predators out there that try to get involved in the lives of kids. Some stalk them, blackmail them, kidnap them, or worse.

Steps to Protecting Kids Online
Now that you realize some of the dangers on the net for your kids, it's time to start protecting them. Here are some simple steps to help you keep your children protected from the dangers of the internet.

- Step #1 - Warn Your Children - First of all, you need to make sure that you warn your kids of the dangers on the web. Sit down and talk to them about dangers that can occur so they can be prepared. Let them know things to look out for on the web.

- Step #2 - Keep Communication Open - Keep the communication open between you and your kids. Talk about what they do on the internet and stay involved in their lives. Make sure they feel comfortable talking with you if something negative occurs online.

- Step #3 - Set Out Some Rules- Lay down some laws for computer use. Give them a limited time online and restrict sites that they are allowed to visit.

- Step #4 - Have the Computer in a Public Place in Your Home - Kids shouldn't be closed up in their room on the computer. This can breed secrecy and distrust. The computer should be located in a public area in the home where you can monitor what is going on when your child is online.

- Step #5 - Monitor What Your Kids are Doing on the Web - It's not snooping. You should be checking out the sites your kids are visiting online. This way you know what is going and can ensure that they are not going places that could endanger them on the net.

Software - A Top Protective Method
Probably one of the most important things that you can do to keep your kids safe on the net is to install some type of internet protection software such as Net Nanny or PC Tattle Tale. The right software can allow you to set up parental controls on the computer so you can block content altogether that may be harmful for your children. Good software can also help you to more closely monitor what your child is doing online, such as the sites that they are visiting and what they are doing on these sites.

It's imperative that you work to keep your children safe online. The net is a great tool, but it must be used carefully when it comes to your kids. Take the steps we have been through and begin using them. Invest in some great software as well. Together they will help you to make sure that your kids enjoy their time online and that they don't become victims.

This article was written by Tony Hilton of Fix-this-computer.com to help parents everywhere protect their kids online.