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Reports suggest that the number of children accessing the Internet at home increases every year. Though being Net savvy is good, it has some obvious dangers as well.
Here are some of the tips to avoid online mishaps:
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If you suspect that your children are engaging in risky online behavior, you can search through the sites they visit to find out any information they have posted.
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Evaluate the privacy policies. Some Web sites may share information (such as your e-mail address) with other companies, which could generate spam and even spyware.
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Always keep the computer in a common area, such as the dining area or the family room, where you can keep an eye on the Web sites your kids visit.
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Try to use the Internet along with your children.
Educate your children:
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Encourage them to inform you if they feel threatened by someone
Online Chat Conversations
Many surfers get chatting with strangers online and agree to meet them without giving it a second thought. Children, especially teenagers, should be warned against doing this, as one can never be certain of the motives of a stranger.
| |
Chat Conversation |
Conversation Encrypted |
| Jackie |
Hey there |
|
| Sweety |
Hey |
|
| Jackie |
ASL? |
Age, Sex, Location |
| Sweety |
21, F, Mumbai. ASL? |
Female, 21 years |
| Jackie |
22, M, Mumbai |
|
| |
You have a ‘sweet name’ :) |
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| Sweety |
Thank you. So do you! |
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| Jackie |
ROFL. Flattered! So you studying? |
Rolling on the floor laughing |
| Sweety |
Yes. Hinduja College. |
|
| Jackie |
Wow! I study at Wilson. So Sweety, why don’t we meet up after our lectures? ;) Or are you scared? LOL |
Laugh out loud |
| Sweety |
Of course not! What time do you want to meet up? |
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| Jackie |
Tomorrow, 3 pm outside Hinduja? My number is: ____ |
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| Sweety |
Done! TTFN |
TaTa for now |
| Jackie |
BBL Sweety ;) |
Be back later |
Safety Tips Age-wise
You can make a list of do’s and don’t’s that your child can follow. The age group of the child will also determine the tips you can follow:
| Age Group in Years |
Safety Tips |
3-6 |
- Surf the Net with your children
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- Use child-friendly websites and search engines
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- Add good websites to the Favorites list so that both can access it immediately
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6-10 |
- Always keep an eye on the PC to monitor the websites your child surfs
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- Use software to block pop-ups
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- Create Internet house rules that your child must follow
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10-13 |
- Create a common family email address instead of your child having a separate email account
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- Ask your child to refrain from downloading content without your permission
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- Use e-mail filters to block spam
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- Use only that Instant Messaging software that allows you to save chat transcripts. Activate the option so that you can monitor the chat sessions.
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| Over 13 |
- Keep the computer in an open space so that you can monitor your child’s surfing habits
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- Talk to your child and find out the forums or chat rooms that he/she visits regularly
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- Discuss the importance of Netiquette with your child
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- Dissuade your child from meeting online friends, and inform them of the dangers involved.
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