Keeping your child safe on the web

Monitoring access
1. Determine access level
Buying netgear to determine access level for safe and unsafe websites is one of the best ways to monitor Internet use. Sometimes, using the Internet tool menu bar to "block sites" is not enough. Netgear allows you to block non-specific sites by using "keywords" that appear on the domain name so as to prevent kids from stumbling into adult type sites.

2. Checking history
Checking history and the favourites folder can help you to keep track of websites they've visited. Now you've become a spy, but it's all for the good -- really.

Encouraging appropriate use
1.Internet use as an educational tool
Learning to use the Internet as a tool to find the information the kids need. Sometimes, the kids ask me questions for which I have no answers. This happens often. I may not be a walking encyclopaedia, but I am resourceful. I try and make it a point to write down their questions and encourage them to look up the answers with a Google search. When this becomes habit for them, they will become accustomed to using the Internet as their resource.

2. Bookmark sites for kids
Internet resources where kids can go to find information at their level, should be bookmarked under the Internet tools menu bar for easy access. These sites can beat laziness with just a click away.

3. Fun activities and educational games
Rather than having to ban games on the Internet altogether, why not find some fun educational games that challenge their minds.

Warm turkey
Strict vigilance would probably be greeted with complete hostility, rebellion, and overall loss in popularity with the kids when trying to regulate Internet use. The best approach is to introduce your new rules and regulations on a gradual basis. Don't go cold turkey, keep it warm for a bit. First, try to change their habitual use by presenting the kids with new ways to use the Internet. Play educational games or try researching on some interesting topics on websites designed for kids. Finally, introduce the new schedule, create the login and take action to restrict use to the degree that is comfortable for you. Not that I'm a control freak or anything, but I want to help them develop good habits and learn to appreciate the Internet as a reward and a tool.

How do you govern your kids' use of the Internet? Discuss with other readers in our forums!