The Internet continues to be an important part of everyday life. Many people use the Internet daily at work, school, or at home. While the Internet can be a very useful tool, it can also present certain dangers, especially to children. Many tools have become available to help parents monitor or filter the Internet for their children. While some of these tools can be effective, some parents are wary of relying on a program to keep their kids safe. They instead are looking to other sources to help them keep their kids safe on the Internet. Here are a few ways to filter or monitor the Internet without downloads or software.
Browser History
Most Internet browsers give users the options of saving a list of the websites that have recently been accessed. This history is a great way for parents to keep an eye on what their children are viewing on the Internet. While Internet savvy kids may find a way to erase websites from the history, most parents can expect that their kids will not tamper with the list. Parents can then use the list to talk to their children about Internet safety.
Online Resources
Many non-profit groups have put together websites with tips about keeping children safe on the Internet. These resources include ways to talk to children about Internet safety, techniques for monitoring Internet use, and a heads up on what kinds of dangers are lurking on the Internet. Simply doing a search in most search engines will find these websites. Parents can use the information learned on these sites to help keep their children safe online.
High-Traffic Room
One method for keeping children safe online without purchasing filtering software is to keep the computer in a high-traffic room. By keeping the computer in a room like the kitchen or living room, parents can keep a better eye on what kids are looking at online. They are also free to ask children about what they are doing, who they are talking to, and what sites they are looking for. When children have their own personal computers in their bedrooms, it can be near impossible to filter what children are viewing online without an Internet filter download or software.
Talking to Kids
Parents cannot expect their kids to avoid dangerous content online if they have not been taught not to. Parents should openly talk to their kids about Internet safety. Many online resources offer tips for talking to kids about the dangers of the Internet. Kids should know what type of content is inappropriate and what dangers lurk in chat rooms. Parents, together with children, could also create a list of rules for the Internet that could be posted above the computer. These rules could even be accompanied by agreed upon consequences. By keeping the lines of communication open when it comes to the Internet, parents stand a better chance at keeping their kids safe from Internet dangers.
Internet filtering does not necessarily require downloads or special software. Parents can do a great job of filtering and monitoring the Internet for the children simply by being involved. Checking the history on the computer, using online resources, putting the computer in a high-traffic room, and talking to kids are all methods for helping parents keep their kids safe online. Parents should also remember that using a combination of techniques is the best way to filter and monitor the Internet for their kids.