Raise the bar on parental controls and filtering programs.
Start using full-sized search engines with filters applied (check
their advanced settings) or use a toolbar (Google’s comes preset with a
medium filter).
Teach them not to divulge personal information and double-check their
IM “away messages” to make sure they’re not posting their cell phone numbers
there.
Make sure they can’t share pictures online, or set up profiles or
blogs or webcams without your okay.
Web sites they build should be reviewed carefully, as should screen
names.
Without going into details, warn them against predators – tell them
you are concerned about people showing up at the house.
Give them privacy as long as it is with people you trust.
Block all but pre-approved senders.
Interactive games should still be limited to Toontown.com and other
kid-approved sites.
Google their name, screen names, address, and telephone numbers at
least once a week. Many kids post nasty things about others at this age.
Make sure that you control the family account password and have their
passwords too. Lock your private files with a password they don’t know.
Change all passwords often.
In addition to watching for spyware, search your computer regularly
for images (porn or of your kids), and any music, movie or media files you
don’t know about.
Watch early media piracy, teach them not to steal online or offline.
Get them started in online safety education, check out wiredkids.org
or internetsuperheroes.org. Check out starting a tweenangel chapter at your
local school. (For more information visit teenangels.org).
If they have a cell phone, make sure you know its ability to play
games and download images and software. Think about limiting their cell
phone usage in a way that shuts it down when they exceed it, instead of just
charging you extra.
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