How to Spy on a Child's Computer & Internet Use
Monitoring your child's Internet usage is an important part of protecting your child in the digital age. You want your child to learn responsible Internet usage. But you also want to verify that they are using the Internet responsibly.
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Instructions
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Keep the computer in a public place. Locating the computer in a place regularly trafficked by family members is a great way to monitor a child's computer and Internet use. If you're particularly concerned, you can sit in the room reading a book or watching television while your child uses the Internet. Randomly walking by the computer will give you an idea of what your child is looking at when you aren't around.
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Limit your child's time online and set parameters. For example, your child may have to be offline by 10 p.m. or not be allowed online before their homework is done.
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Ask questions. Talk to your child about how they spend their time on the Internet. Keep your questions open ended. Make note of places where they seem defensive or evasive. This may indicate a topic to which you should pay special attention.
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Know your child's passwords. Checking on your child's email and social networking usage is an important part of monitoring his Internet use. Be clear with your child that you want access to all of his Internet accounts. Be clear as to why you are doing this.
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Filter your child's Internet use. There are scores of parental control software programs available that allow you to block specific websites or sites on a provided blacklist. Install one on all computers your child uses.
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Monitor everything your child does online. Your browser's site history is an easy way to see where your child has visited. Many filtering programs also have an option to keep track of every single keystroke made on a computer. This provides records of things like chat rooms and instant messenger conversations that may otherwise be hard to monitor.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep an eye out for things like quickly closed laptops and windows, or monitors being shut off when you enter the room. This is a clear sign of Internet activity you may not approve of.
