Top 6 Recommendations to Parents by Gregory S. Smith
- 1. Get up to speed on modern-day technologies. Parents can't fight a battle that they don't understand.
This includes taking an inventory of everything in the house that can connect to the Internet.
- 2. Use content filtering on any computer that a minor uses at home to access the Internet.
My recommendation is CyberPatrol, which has easy to use pre-set age-based filter settings.
- 3. Use stealth tecnology where appropriate for troubled teens or teens suspected of using the Internet to
access inappropriate content or those who communicate with strangers. My recommendation is PC Tattletale as
it's really easy to use, demystifies technology, and allows parents to play back all computer related activities
like a DVD movie. No matter what - don't disclose that your using stealth software to your kids.
They'll think you know a little more than they do and that's good enough to make them think twice.
- 4. Develop an Internet Use Policy for your children and clearly spell out expectations and repercussions.
My book gives a good example of a draft agreement. If kids break the rules, warn first, then revoke the
appropriate online capability if abused a second time. Internet usage and tools are a privilege,
not a right and most come with fees to use them.
- 5. Talk to your children about the risks of going online. Don't sugar coat the risks either.
This is possibly the most important recommendation I can make. Make sure your kids know that they can
come to you and talk about anything. A healthy relationship between parents and kids helps pave the way for a
good childhood and better prepares them for a propserous life as an adult.
- 6. Teach your kids to trust noone online. You never know exactly who they're talking too.
Additional Sites to Block via CyberPatrol
- www.dailymotion.com - YouTube.com competitor based in France. Not all content suitable for kids.
- www.hoverspot.com
- www.buzznet.com
- www.hi5.com
- www.blackplanet.com
- www.imeem.com
Helpful Hotlines and Sites
Solid and Safe Internet Products
