The Issue



Modern parents have to be vigilant about knowing what their kids are doing on the computer. There are many ways to prevent their kids from visiting undesirable websites when they are online. Each method has its strengths and weaknesses, but there is one technique that stands out above all the other ways for maximum effectiveness.

For adults who give up and say it is too difficult to keep track of what their kids are doing when they are connected to the Internet, I have an analogy that they can pay attention to Would they have a similar reaction if the topic was playing with matches on the parlor floor? Then why is the discussion of online usage any different?

Age Warning Pages

Age warning pages or age verification checks on Internet sites cover the webmaster from a legal standpoint for blocking those who are not old enough to view the the site. Of course, from a kid's viewpoint, those safeguards only serve to make the site more appealing and they no doubt check off the age box in whatever way will let them into the site.

Blocking Access

Major search engines and some ISP's have "parental locks" just like the V-Chip on televisions. The purpose of these is to block access to sites that have inappropriate material. Parents can configure search engine start to only show results of an acceptable nature. There are usually levels of "safety" that you can choose.

Parents also spend lots of money on Internetfiltering software like CyberPatrol, NetNanny, CyberSitter, and other similar products. While filtering is probably reasonably effective, website filtering software has its share of quirks too. An often-cited example is that the filters block viewing of medical or medical related websites such as thoat belonging to various breast cancer foundations because those sites make reference to anatomy.

Getting More High-Tech

Stepping it up a bit technology wise, there are computer solutions called keyloggers. Keyloggers keep track of what has been input on a keyboard and can retrieve that information. In effect, they are allowing you} to find out what has been typed on a keyboard after the fact. I should also mention programs that can record everything that has been done on a computer including, instant Messanging conversations, e-mail messages, e-mails, email conversations sent and received, pictures viewed, and IP addresses visited. Some software even allows parents to put in place a system to let someone know when a violation occurs such as a kid visiting a chat room that a parent or guardian has instructed is off limits.

Any or all of the above options may contribute to a parent's overall plan to protect his or her kids from the threats of the modern online world, but there is still one more idea that every parent should put into use .

The Ultimate Solution

The best solution is also the most obvious one, which means that is easily overlooked. It only takes one sentence; it encourages family unity and it's free. Ready? Put the PC directly in the middle of the main room of the house!

Do you need a little while to get over the shock of this idea? I warned you that the brilliance would be in the simplicity. I'm sure you can imagine the look of horror on your son's face and the screams of protest from your daughter that you are ruining her life and totally invading her privacy with this act of parental treason. You will have to put a stop to the arguments that your kid's friend's parents let them have their net access in their own bedrooms.

Effective parenting techniques should never be based on the neighbors and their behavior unless they are exemplary role models as parents. Should you find yourself in that situation, I can practically guarantee that your their teens won’t be begging you to imitate their parenting methods.

Parents, stay strong and don't be afraid to get that computer front and center in the living room right now and you will never again have to wonder what your kids post on their facebook profiles and with whom they are chatting over an instant messenger service.