Help keep your kids safe online


Most parents of children today grew up with television as the dominant media outlet. The Internet is quickly surpassing it for the new generation. It can be challenging for parents to ensure online safety while learning about the new world the Internet offers their children.

A poll by Common Sense Media shows 85 per cent of parents feel the Internet is the most risky media outlet. Only 13 per cent of surveyed parents labeled TV as the most risky for their children. Eighty per cent of the responding parents said they are worried about predators when it comes to their kids online. Seventy-six per cent of parents indicated they would like to make the Internet safer for children.

Parental involvement can go a long ways in helping reduce the risks for families online.
Some basic tips parents should consider are:

  • Talk to your kids about what they are doing. It sounds simple, but they are the experts. Are they using chat rooms, instant messaging or email? Are they aware of the risks? Two-way communication will get you far.
  • Install content filtering software such as ParetoLogic's free PGsurfer. Using custom profiles created by parents, PGsurfer can be set up to block websites inappropriate content, such as pornography or hate literature. As well, it can stop instant messaging, peer-to-peer file sharing and email programs and limit your children's time online. PGsurfer creates regular reports so that you know what your kids are up to online. For more on PGsurfer click here or to download it now by clicking here!
  • Helping them find safe places on the Internet. There are all kinds of great sites out there for children. A site such as the ParetoLogic-powered www.safesurger.org gives young people a safe environment to play games, read video game reviews, keep abreast of news that is interesting to them and learn about being safe online.
  • Instruct them which information they should never share on the Internet. Children can be trusting and just don't know that they shouldn't give out their school, address or phone number online. Help them make good choices online.


For more information about keeping your children safe online, please see the WebSafe section of www.safesurfer.org


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