ow do I block mySpace and to be safe also). Teach them how
similar websites? There are to use common sense and show each
many ways to accomplish of your children the proper way
this task, but first lets find to enjoy the Internet. It’s a
out if you really want to great teaching moment!
completely block sites like these
or if want to restrict access by Option # 1:
children, or allow teens access
and monitor their online Source Code can be used to
behavior. The latter prevent objectionable websites
choice/option being the preferred but, there are some limitation.
way to go. You know as well as I Also (you’ll need to know how to
do, if you make restrictions on do some minor programming) but
teens or you stop them from doing it’s simple enough, just follow
something as a form of punishment the directions.
they will find a way to undermine
your authority. They will find a Option # 2:
way or sneak online somewhere
else. And the possible outcome Monitoring Software can be used
could be very tragic. to monitor online activity by
using software to Record Emails,
Another option to help teens, is Chats, IMs, Web Sites, Programs
by becoming an active partner in Run, Keystrokes Typed, Peer to
the mySpace craze. Make your own Peer File Sharing, Screen
profile find out what all the Snapshots - Plus - Offers
excitement is about and show them Internet Access Blocking and
how you would surf and add Instant Notification Alerts.
friends and why you as a parent
would also want to make correct Option # 3:
choices and be safe (adults need
Blocking Software might be a Wise Sitter (one of the most used)
Choice that will protect your would never allow kids to upload
children, by completely blocking pictures to their boards.
their use of objectionable Granted, this isn’t necessarily
websites. The software may also bad, but when given the ok on
block some sites that could be this and setup Cybersitter to
used for homework. allow it. However, it won’t allow
it, you’ll have to manually
Option # 4: disable it and wait for them to
finish, and then re-enable the
Logging Software monitors and software.
logs all keystrokes while your
children are online. A monitoring program monitors web
sites visited, applications used
Blocking, monitoring, and logging on the computer, like MSword or a
what’s the difference? game. Most monitoring programs
also have a blocking function.
A blocking program has the
ability to automatically block A logging program or key logger
most inappropriate sites. Most as they are called, simply logs
blocking programs along with all keystrokes made on your
their automatic blocking, will computer. Most, will also log
allow you to specify which sites incoming chat sessions and email.
you want blocked and which sites These programs, as far as I am
you want to allow. They should concerned, are a must if you have
all be password protected to keep kids chatting and using email.
the kids out. Most blockers work They will not stop bad things
well, although, the downside is from happening, but they will log
that some can be a bit too exactly what was said and when.
restrictive. For instance, Cyber
OSA Editorial Comments:
Bill Wardell
Please take an active roll with
your children no matter what choice you make as far blocking type="text/javascript"> src="http://pagead2.googlesyndica
tion.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
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