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Use filtering or parental control technologies. Block everything that
isn’t pre-approved, rather than just filtering out the “bad” sites.
Think about whether your children really need e-mail or IM, and if you
determine they do: block all communications from anyone other than
pre-approved senders and make sure their buddy list is no longer than the
age of the child and that you know (in real life) everyone on it.
Bookmark their favorite Web sites so they won’t mistype them and end up
at a “bad” site.
Use kid-sized search engines such as Yahooligans and Ask Jeeves for
Kids.
Limit their online time to no more than a 1/2 hour a day, unless they
have a special project for school.
Check with their teachers often for suggested Web sites and for
recommendations for good resources online.
Don’t let them use interactive games, such as X-Box Live or Sony
Playstation network yet. Try Toontown.com instead.
Sit down with them as often as possible and find out where they go
online, what they like and ask or answer any questions.
Tell them to get your permission before posting any content, including
profiles and blogs, to a Web site or sending it via e-mail or IM.
Look for safe site lists you can trust. Check out WiredKids.org’s
approved safe sites list
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