How Do I Monitor a Child's Computer Use?
Children are naturally curious about computers. According to KidsHealth from Nemours, the Internet can be a wonderful resource for kids, but it can also pose hazards. If not watched closely, your child could become entangled with online predators, pornographic material or malicious viruses as a result. Learning how to properly monitor your child's computer activities is a must if you want to keep your child as safe and protected as possible.
Instructions
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Place the computer in an open area in your home. According to the federally mandated Computer Emergency Readiness Team, you will be able to more easily monitor computer activity if your computer is in a high-traffic area.
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Download a reputable web protection system, such as K9, onto your computer. The K9 web protection system is free to download and helps protect your computer against malware and inappropriate websites. You can download the K9 web protection system from the official K9 Blue Coat website.
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Check your computer's history on a regular basis. According to Web Wise Kids, the history provides a list of the websites that have been viewed from your computer. You can check your computer's history by opening your web browser and pressing "Ctrl + H" on your keyboard.
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Tips & Warnings
Teach your child about the many dangers and pitfalls associated with the computer before allowing your child access.
Assign a limited amount of time your child can be on the computer each day. Choose a time when you'll be close by and can occasionally view your child's computer activities.
If your child wants an email account, share your account so you'll have access to it at all times.
References
- Photo Credit boy with computer image by Oleg Berlov from Fotolia.com