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Using The Internet At Home
The Internet has become part of our day-to-day lives. It can be accessed from various media including computers, televisions, mobile phones and even fridges. The Internet is a fantastic resource for children, enabling them to research, pursue hobbies and keep in touch with friends and family. Unfortunately not all material available on the Internet is suitable for your children and not all its users have good intentions.
By following some simple rules you can help your child enjoy their time online.
- Keep the computer in a busy room in the house. This allows others in the house to view what your child is looking at.
- Teach your children that the information on the Internet is not always reliable.
- Teach your children the importance of private information including, name, address, phone numbers, names of schools and places that might give away their location.
- Spend time online with your children, visiting their favourite websites and chat rooms.
- Discuss inappropriate material with your children and how you would like them to deal with such material.
- Consider the use of filtering software although it is not the total solution.
- Supervision is the best form of safety that you can afford for your children when they are on the internet.
Chat Rooms
What is a chat room?
A chat room is a place on the Internet that people of all ages can meet and discuss similar interests. These rooms are set up for specific interests, which are wide and varied.
How does it work?
To be involved in a chat room you create an identity. These are called 'nicknames', 'nicks' or 'screen names'. Depending on the chat room, (users) type a message and then press a button on screen to send the message. The message is then displayed to all other users in the room. In some rooms the words appear on screen as your child is typing them. Most chat rooms these days have the option of private chat rooms also. They function in the same way as public chat rooms; however, they can only be entered by other users that are invited. This can be a good thing! You could help your child set up a private room where only their real world friends can enter. You and the other parents can monitor this room, keeping your children safer online.
Safe Chatting
How can I make chat rooms safer for my children?
By following some simple rules you can ease your own mind and make chatting a more enjoyable experience for your children.
- Keep the computer in a busy room in the house. This allows others in the house to view what your child is looking at.
- Spend some time in the chat room with your children.
- Teach your children not to give out personal information. ie. Address, phone numbers, school they go to etc.
- Make sure the chat room nickname ('nicks') your children use do not give any information away. They should be genderless and not imply any location information.
- Ask about your child's online friends just as you would their real life friends.
- Be cautious if your child wants to meet an online friend in person.
- Chat rooms are anonymous environments. Don't take other users at face value.
- Supervision is the best protection your child has online.
Filtering Software
What is filtering software?
Filtering software is software that you can configure to determine what type of web pages and websites will be viewable on your computer.
Where do I get filtering software?
Filtering software is already installed on your computer. Microsoft has incuded some basic filtering within Internet Explorer, Content Advisor is the name of this tool. You can also download numerous free software filtering programs from the Internet.
What are some good filtering software packages?
If you have any questions regarding child safety and the Internet please email CanDoNet Customer Support or phone: 1300 88 66 40 |