Internet Security for Kids

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Ensuring Safe Web Browsing

The internet is full of multiple resources and can offer the answers to almost any question a user needs answered.  I often wonder how life would be like without the World Wide Web.  Before the internet, we had to go to a library to research a topic for a literature review.  Now all a person has to do is log on to an online library from the comfort of their own homes.  Before the internet, we had to send letters to connect with friend that lived far away.  Initially the internet let us send emails then we were able to instant message one another.  Now anyone can set up a profile on a social networking site and connect with friends and family in a whole new way.

Risks with the Internet

Since there are so many applications to the internet, there are also more risks involved for young kids.  There are many wonderful sites online for kids to explore, learn, and stay entertained.  There are also problems like online predators and cyber bullies that parents need to be aware of.  Parents need to keep a close eye on their kids and their online activities.  Parents may choose to download a lock down browser so that if inappropriate content is accessed the browser becomes locked.  This software will also notify parents if the child stumbles across something they should not have.

Safety Measures for Kids

The best way to monitor safe internet use for a child is to communicate with them.  If kids are accessing the internet on a daily bases then parents may want to consider checking in with them on a weekly basis.  Parents can ask questions concerning if strangers have been trying to contact their kids or if strangers are asking questions about where they are going that day or any other questions concerning their location.

Keeping Social Networks Safe

Social media has become increasingly popular. Parents can find a social networking site for kids that has all the safety precautions that Facebook or MySpace do not have.  This will allow children to post statuses, write blogs, upload pictures, and share videos.  This will allow kids to connect with classmates from school, fiends that have moved away, or kids from around the world.

Preventing Cyber Bullying

Cyber bullying is a huge concern associated with social networking sites.  Cyber bullying has had an enormous impact on how parents look at the internet.  There have been several cases where children have taken their own lives as a result of being bullied by their peers online.  Bullying has taken a new form online because kids can put things on the internet that would hurt someone far worse than just teasing them on the playground.

Internet Safety

Parents should not be discouraged by the internet.  Even though there are risks involved kids can explore and discover some wonderful things online.  The best way to make sure kids are safe is to keep a line of communication open or download a lock down browser to the computer kids are using.

Kids Social Network is a social networking site for kids.  This kid safe website has a lock down browser to ensure safe browsing for children.

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