How to Childproof the Internet

Protect your child from Internet dangers with these guidelines, as outlined by the National Crime Prevention Council.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet Access With Parental Controls
• Computers
• Blocking Software

1. Teach your children about things on the Internet that concern you (such as pornography, violence and hate sites) and tell them to notify you immediately if they encounter such material.
2. Draw clear guidelines so that children know it is not acceptable to give out personal information, agree to meet in person, or send personal photographs to anyone they meet online. Make sure they know never to respond to messages containing offensive or threatening language and to check with you before entering an online area that has special charges.
3. Take advantage of your Internet service provider's parental controls. These controls can block access to certain Web pages, chat rooms, newsgroups and other Internet resources that are not fit for children.
4. Purchase blocking software for your computer. These programs block access to certain objectionable sites and prevent children from disclosing personal information on the Internet.
5. Be aware of the amount of time your children spend online and monitor them occasionally to make sure they're using the Internet safely.
6. Make sure that your child's school has an acceptable use policy (AUP) for Internet access and that student Internet use is monitored by adults.
7. If a friend of your child has home Internet access, discuss Internet safety and rules with the friend's parents and find out whether the children will be monitored while online.

Tips & Warnings

• If children act defensive or nervous when asked about Internet activities or when you walk into the room while they're online, this could indicate they're doing something dangerous or forbidden. (On the other hand, they could just be exchanging silly messages with their friends. Use your own judgment.)
• If your child receives threats or pornography via e-mail or other Internet messages, save the offensive message and contact the sender's Internet service provider and your local law enforcement agency.