- Teach children the obvious identity rules
Tell your children NOT to put photos of themselves on the Internet or to give out their names, addresses, phone numbers, schools, or other personal information online. Once photographs and information are posted in the public domain it is impossible to completely erase them. - Install an Internet filter or family safety software
Family safety software is becoming extremely advanced and an effective way to filter dangerous content. Additionally, this software usually comes with tools like time management, remote monitoring and reporting, and keystroke recognition, giving families greater peace of mind and manageability.Take a free Net Nanny 6 trial to find out more - Know the dangers associated with sites your children frequent
Whether it's MySpace, Bebo or another social networking site, by knowing what people are doing on your children's favourite sites that could put them in harm's way, parents can educate their children and show them the warning signs of potentially dangerous situations. Your children should ensure that their social networking site is set to "private" or "only allow friends to contact" to ensure that strangers cannot make direct contact with them. - Teach children what to do if they encounter pornography on a home or public computer, such as at a school or a library
In a similar fashion to the fire drill learnt at school, you can teach children to quickly turn off the screen and go to get an adult. This can prevent a child from attempting to stop the situation by clicking more buttons (and thereby spreading the attack and being exposed to more pornography). - Manage your children's time on the Internet
Scheduling times when a child can be on the Internet and the amount they can be online ensures that you know when they are on the Internet and for how long. Many kids now have computers in their bedrooms and are often logging on the Internet when their parents are not aware. By not allowing children to have free reign reduces their chances of being exposed to inappropriate content. - Set specific Internet guidelines for your children
Giving your children specific guidelines to follow will help them to use the Internet safely and minimise risky behaviour. - Keep computers out of children's bedrooms and in open areas
With PCs in the open, children will be less inclined to view and access material that may be inappropriate to their age range. Most laptops now sold have pre-installed webcams which means that if your child is engaging in risky online behaviour, potential predators will have a window directly into your childs world. - Open Communication with your children
Let your children know what behaviour is acceptable on the Internet and reaffirm that their safety is your top priority. By letting children know what is expected from them and that their safety is a top priority, they will feel that if something happens that makes them feel uncomfortable they can approach you without feeling they are in trouble. For further information and advice on keeping your children safe visit resources - Report Abuse
Think U Know is a part of the UK Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) where you can report harmful content and inappropriate behaviour towards children. Visit Think U Know for advice on keeping your children safe online choose the red report abuse icon to report abuse if you believe your child may have been exposed to harmful content or inappropriate behaviour.
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