For The Parents
How to Protect Your Information
It is important to practice safe internet usage. When using the internet, here are a few things on how to protect your information:
1) Passwords
a. Use at least 8 characters
b. Use phrases, not words
c. Use upper and lower case
d. Avoid writing it down
e. Memorize it!
f. Change it if someone finds out
g. Use different passwords for different sites
h. Change them often!
2) Never give away personal information, unless it is a trusted site (like your bank online)
a. Social Security number
b. Address
c. Phone number
d. Date of birth
e. Bank information
3) Make sure your computer has an anti-virus software and a firewall
a. This will help prevent intrusion into your computer, but also detect and remove a virus from your computer
How to Protect Your Children
It is vital for a parent to take an active role and source as much information as you can to keep your kids safe from cyber predators. It is not possible to watch your kids every minute while they are online but here are a few tips that will make it less likely that your children will become a victim:
1) Give Them Attention
Always make your children feel important and give them attention and affection.
2) Computer Location
By placing the computer in a common location you will be able to glance at what you child is looking at on the screen.
3) Monitor Chats
Tell your children not to take private messages and walk by the computer once in a while to see what is going on with chats.
4) Common Email Accounts
Use a common email address for the whole family so you can more easily monitor the content of emails.
5) Emphasize the Dangers
Always talk to your children and explain the dangers that exist online.
6) Account Information
Explain to your children not to use their real name when setting up various accounts online unless it's for trusted sites such as Yahoo or MSN.
This information was cited from:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Cyber-Predators-Are-Watching-Your-Kids&id=864605