Today, more children than ever are using computers in their daily lives. They use computers for their education and entertainment value. When you release your children onto the Internet, though, you are opening them up for issues along the way if you don’t take the proper precautions to protect them. As a parent, it is your job to address browsing security and make sure your children are as safe as possible as they enter the world of Internet use.
Browsing Security: Increased Risks Online
Most adults are reasonably aware of the risks that lurk on the Internet. While some children may have an idea that there are “bad people” on the Internet, their natural characteristics of innocence, naivety and curiosity make them a more vulnerable target while they are using the Internet. Children who use the Internet are at an increased risk for:
- Downloading a virus.
- Removing a critical file.
- Being manipulated by a predator.
- Revealing too much information.
- Becoming a victim of a cyberbully.
One of the biggest problems is many parents don’t realize these risks until it is too late. This is why it is so critical for parents to educate themselves on keeping their children secure and how to talk to their children about these dangers.
Browsing Security: Warning Signs
In most cases, children will leave behind warning signs that they are getting into trouble online. Even the children who think they can hide what they are doing may trigger some red flags with their parents. They may not leave any physical evidence on the computer, but other aspects of their behavior can indicate trouble. Parents need to learn what warning signs to look for, including:
- Spending too much time online.
- Being secretive about computer activity.
- The presence of pornography on the computer.
- There is an increase in phone calls from unknown numbers, especially at unusual times of the day.
- Mail from unknown senders.
- Withdrawing from family.
- Using an alternate account online.
Parents know their children better than anyone else. While these warning signs are some of the most common ones, your child may exhibit signs that aren’t a sign for someone else. Always trust your gut instinct when it comes to your child and his activity online.
Browsing Security: Monitor Your Child’s Usage
The best thing parents can do is stay involved with their children’s Internet usage. This means keeping the computer in an area with a lot of traffic and is easily seen by parents or other adults. Children are less likely to get into trouble online when the computer is out in the open because it is difficult to hide.
You should also regularly check your child’s browsing history and browsing security settings to make sure everything is going well online. It is important to realize that some children are extremely Internet savvy and may know how to delete or hide browser activity. If your child is one of those, installing monitoring software or activating that feature on your parental controls can help you see if this is happening.
Browsing Security: Create a List of Rules
Like every other aspect of your child’s life, there should be rules for online activity. While you will need to make your list based on your family’s needs, it can be beneficial to get some feedback from your children. Children are more likely to follow the rules you have set if they have some say in those rules.
In addition to a list of rules, such as when Who can use the Internet, why, which Who can visit sites, whether a child is allowed to chat and more, clearly define the consequences for not following the rules. Clearly defined consequences make the process easier instead of trying to develop an appropriate punishment on the spur of the moment.
Browsing Security: Talk to Your Child
Today, it seems like no one has the time to sit down and talk as a family. However, it is even more important now that parents take the time to talk to their children about the potential dangers of the Internet. In many cases, children don’t even realize they are doing something wrong because they have never been talked to about it by a trusted adult.
So, before you set your child loose on the Internet, have a serious talk about the rules you expect him to follow, as well as the dangers he may encounter. Make sure he knows he can come to you if he encounters anything unusual while browsing online. And don’t stop with just one talk. Please keep the conversation going, adding to it and answering any questions along the way.
Browsing Security: Use Built-In Parental Controls
Today, most computers have parental control options built into the system to help parents monitor and control what their children experience while online. However, many parents are either unaware these settings are available or don’t take the time to set them up.
While it may take a while to set them up initially, this is one step every parent should take before allowing children free reign on the Internet. Through these controls, parents can:
- Limit the number of time children spends online.
- Block inappropriate content.
- Block or allow specific websites.
- Implement filters.
- Restrict downloading capabilities.
- Set specific browsing security settings for individual accounts.
These settings allow you to mold the Internet experience to what your child can handle and use. Then, as your child gets older, you can make adjustments. Setting parental controls also allows you to feel more at ease without having to constantly hang over your child’s shoulder while he is on the computer.
Browsing Security: Keep Your Anti-Virus Updated
The right anti-virus software is critical to protect your computer, especially while your child uses it. Children tend to click on things without really reading them. This can easily lead to a downloaded virus that can either slow down or crash your computer, as well as steal critical information.
To reduce the chances of this happening, having an updated anti-virus and proper settings will help. It can also be beneficial to ensure your child knows he should ask you before he clicks on anything that pops up. Sometimes even closing out the window can trigger a virus download.
Browsing Security: Use Child-Safe Browsers
The built-in parental controls are often all a parent needs if used correctly. However, sometimes these settings can border on too restrictive or not restrictive enough. It can be difficult to find the perfect medium to allow your child access to what he needs and restrict him from what he doesn’t.
Another alternative many parents use is child-safe browsers. These browsers often cost additional money but are a great way to ensure your children only have access to child-friendly websites.
These browsers are also often easier for children to use than the traditional browsers most people already have on their computers. This makes them ideal for younger children.
Browsing Security: Teach Your Child to Handle Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying has increased rapidly in recent years. All parents need to talk to their children about the risk of cyberbullying, when it can happen, and what they can do about it. Make sure your child knows that no one deserves to be treated badly, even online.
Teaching your child how to handle cyberbullying can provide your child with valuable tools they can use for the rest of their lives. Your child should never be afraid to tell you when he witnesses or experiences cyberbullying, so you can help him handle it appropriately. Make sure your child knows to:
- Leave the website if he is cyberbullied.
- Report the behavior to a moderator or someone else in charge.
- Ignore the cyberbully.
- Block cyberbullies whenever possible.
Browsing Security: Other Online Options
In addition to being concerned with the way your child uses the computer at home, older children, particularly teens, now often access the Internet through smartphones and other mobile devices. If your child uses these devices, it is important to understand the various parental control settings on these devices so you can keep your child safe online.
Just like the computer at home, you should set rules for smartphone rules and talk to your child about the unique dangers associated with these devices, such as social mapping, which allows their friends and others to see where they are at any given time.
The Internet is full of dangers, especially for children. As parents, it is important to do what you can to protect your children. Talking to your children, staying involved, and learning as much as you can about computers, the Internet, and the available safety features, including browsing security and parental controls, can help you keep your children safe online.
