Online Protection for Your Children

Kids using the computers.

Image by San Jose Library via Flickr

Today, there are many dangers to our children that are on the Internet. It is imperative that, as parents, you protect your children while they are online. Here is a look at several ways you can implement this safety plan.

Internet filtering and monitoring software should be considered an option. These packages can range from simple to complex and can also include specially design children’s browsers.

Browsers, in general, have several levels of protection that include being able to set certain levels of protection. However, consider using a children’s browser. These browsers are available free and will only allow access to sites that you have selected. These browsers can also filter out pornographic and other dangerous sites. It is also advisable that you keep the computer in a supervised area of your home.

Filtering software can be purchased, usually on a subscription basis, and provides customization features. These features allow parents to provide the proper level of filter that is age-appropriate. Sites can be disallowed or allowed. In addition, this type of software can be remotely accessed.

There are also programs available that will allow you to track the sites that your child visits. Some packages also are able to track actually keystrokes to add a greater level of monitoring.

While these tools are valuable, one of the most important things you can do is to discuss the dangers that are present on the Internet with your children. Help them understand that not everyone on the Internet is a friend or has good intentions. Also, make sure that they never give out any personal information.

Monitoring and Limiting Computer Usage

Our teen lives to play computer games. Trying to keep track of how long he had been playing that day or keep him off the computer after we went to bed became too much for us, the parental controls were not enough, as those only monitored and controlled what websites he could access. Limiting and monitoring use of the computer became a real challenge for us, so we began to explore programs to monitor and limit when he could access the computer.

We began using KidsWatch http://www.kidswatch.com/ to see limits on computer usage. The program allowed us to limit how much time per day he could be on the computer, we chose 1 hour on school days and 3 hours on the weekends. We were able to limit when the computer could be used, only between 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm on weekdays and 8:00 am to 9:00 pm on weekend. It was such a relief to not have to list for the sounds of the computer games in the living room while I slept, or sleep on the couch to monitor the computer.

The program allowed him the freedom to use the computer, while giving us the piece of mind that he was only accessing what and when we thought was appropriate. The program offers email alerts, activity reports, and more. You can set the program up by child, ensuring that each child has age appropriate access.

The only complaint I have about this program is that changes to setting are not immediate. If you make a change to time limits, or hours of usage, they do not go into effect until the next day. This was offset by the fact that we could give extra time, in 30-minute increments, as a 1-time event immediately. KidsWarch was a great solution for our family.

The site offers a free 15-day demo or you can purchase the program, with a 30-day money back guarantee.