Parents are growing more and more aware of the dangers their children can encounter while surfing the Internet. From pornographic sites to online predators, children are bombarded with information far more mature than their age every time they log on. Because there are so many dangers online, parents sometimes worry about relying on just one method of Internet filtering. Instead, parents are looking to multiple methods of Internet filtering, while looking for ways to improve the security of the Internet filtering methods they have within their grasp. Here are some tips for more secure Internet filtering.
Passwords
Internet filtering software is an excellent tool in helping parents keep their children safe on the Internet. However, if children are able to enter the software and change the settings, then the software doesn’t really work to the parents’ advantage. One thing a parent can do is find software that is password protected. This will require the parent to login to the software when wanted to change the settings. This will also keep mischievous children from entering the software and lowering the settings on the filters.
Multiple Options
Some Internet filtering programs simply filter general dangers such as mature material or adult sites. But some of the more sophisticated software can be set up to filter and monitor specific types of programs and content. The more filter options available to parents, the more secure parents will be able to make the Internet for their children. These more sophisticated programs can be set up to filter instant messaging, email, websites, content, and much more. Then, the program will send a detailed report of what has been viewed to the parents.
Pop-Up Blocker
Another option available to parents to help make their Internet filtering more secure is to enable the pop-up blocker on their web browser. Most web browsers have some sort of blocker. The pop-up blocker will keep advertisements from popping up while children surf the web. Because many of these advertisements include items children should not be introduced to, blocking them is a great way to make the Internet safe for children. Parents should be aware that this setting is easy to change, so they will need to monitor their children to make sure the blocker is not disabled.
High Traffic Area
One way to help ensure that the Internet filtering program and the pop-up blocker are functioning properly is to keep the computer in a high traffic area. By keeping the computer in the living room or kitchen, children will not be able to explore inappropriate material because other family members will be around. Parents will also be able to make sure children do not change the settings on the Internet filter. While this method is not full proof, it will serve as one more method to make Internet filtering more secure.
Open Dialog
Parents and children need to discuss Internet safety so that children understand the dangers lurking on the Internet. By keeping children in the dark, parents put their children at risk because most children do not think that someone would be trying to trick them on the Internet. Opening a dialog with children will also give children the opportunity to ask parents questions about the Internet and what is and isn’t appropriate. These discussions can be great learning opportunities for children, and they can be great ways to help make Internet filtering more secure.