February 27, 2009
Keeping grandkids safe online – part 1
So let’s say your grandchildren are coming to your house for a visit. They might want to “play” on your computer. Whoa! Wait! Is it secure? What if they inadvertently download a virus or delete a file? Is it safe? What if they accidentally land on a webpage on “the dark side” of the Internet? How can you keep your grandkids safe online?
Are you worried that your grandkids may accidently see something online that would be harmful to them?
Have you set up a safe environment for your grandchildren?
There are two concerns here. 1. Protecting your computer: keeping your hardware, software, files, documents, and bookmarks secure. 2. Protecting your grandkids: creating a safe environment for them that prevents them from accessing inappropriate content on Internet websites.
So let’s discuss some of these potential problems here in part one of this article. Then in part two, we will outline a plan — what you can do to protect your computer and your grandchildren, and alleviate your concerns.
Do you realize if it weren’t for Edison we’d be watching TV by candlelight? ~Al Boliska
The Internet is a wonderful place for children to explore — lot’s of interesting sites, interactive games and activities, educational resources, etc. But like the real world, there are places on the Internet that are inappropriate for children. You’ve probably heard and thought about potential dangers for kids online. So, when your grandchildren come to visit, your computer needs to be safe. How do we help our grandkids get the most of this virtual cyberspace, while keeping them safe in it?
Over the years, I have personally used various techniques for protecting my computers and my children, and now my grandchildren. Since threats change with new technologies and modern computers, I have had to stay on top of the solutions. But the basic problems are always the same: bad people trying to do bad things to me and my family and to my computers. The basic solutions remain the same also: keep ahead of the bad guys. Install a shield between you and your computers, and the bad guys.
Now, I’m not trying to be paranoid. It’s like locking your front door at night. You don’t have to obsess over all the potential evil out there. You just lock it to be safe, and you don’t worry about it.
Throughout history, parents and grandparents have been concerned for the safety of their children and teenagers. It seems even more challenging the ever with new types of media and gadgets — radio, TV, music, computers, the Internet, mobile phones, iPods, iPhone…. But we can’t follow children everywhere, holding an umbrella over their heads. We need to teach them how to avoid the dangers in the world.
There are certain activities on the Internet that some adults participate in that are not appropriate for children, and other areas that are suitable for some children and not for others.
Pornography — there is sexually-explicit material on the Internet that it is not appropriate for children to view it or seek it out. And search engine results for innocent topics may occasionally include links to inappropriate websites. Email can be a potential problem, with sexually-explicit spam.
Sexual predators try to disguise themselves as a young person in order to befriend and attract children.
Don’t despair! Even though there are potential dangers on the Internet, it is fairly easy to create a secure environment for your family. In part two, you will find steps you can follow to help ensure that your grandchildren have a positive experience online.
- Shayne
Cartoon by Dave Walker. Find cartoons you can freely re-use on your blog at We Blog Cartoons.
We’d like to hear from you. What things do you do to keep your computer safe for children?
Filed under Grandchildren, Grandparenting, Internet, Tips by Grandpa Shayne
Comments on Keeping grandkids safe online – part 1 »
Shayne,
This is such a timely topic, but it is one that parents and grandparents may not recognize as a risk. A State police officer spoke at a luncheon recently about how much predators can find out about kids online and I was amazed.
She then demonstrated by going to Facebook, LinkedIn & a few other spots to show how quickly she could determine the teen’s name, address, phone number, school, friend’s names and favorite hangouts. In fact, it took less than 10 minutes. Very scary.
You provide a wonderful service on this blog. I agree that forwarned is forearmed.
Beth LaMie
@Beth – Thanks for the comment. I tried to keep this article balanced somewhere between frightening readers too much, and being too passive. The internet is mostly safe, but it is important to protect and educate our family. Even though their are predators, the good news is that there are things we can do to (outlined in part 2).
BTW. I wrote an article about this subject for GRAND Magazine’s e-newsletter, which came out Feb 27, 2009.
Great information here – thanks for this.
I don’t think a lot of people realise some of the risks involved in using the internet especially for kids.
definatly a growing concern that should be addressed.
Nice topic, Shayne. I am a firm believer in keeping a watchful eye on young people’s explorations into electronic media. Having been a foster parent, adoptive parent, parent of six and now grandmother to 6 (all under 4
) I know first-hand how dangerous forays into the digital world can be without a guiding loving mentor or a life jacket. Vigilence is the word.
mkp
http://www.ontext.com
There are many websites you can go on with the kids to make sure they understand. The most important thing is just to talk with them about the danger, they do not know.
I think most kids don’t want to get in trouble and don’t even think that some people are not who they say they are. Children are very believing and just want a good friend, talking to them can do a lot for them.
I agree, it’s important to balance safety with making the Internet sound like the Bogeyman.
Good point about keeping your own computer safe, too. There’s so many things to click on and sometimes kids have no idea the harm they can do by “punching the monkey” or whatever flashy thing is at the top of a website.
Great article, thank you.
Thank you for another great article. Where else could anyone get that kind of information in such a perfect way of presentation.
I’ve always though of this as an issue for parents not grand-parents, thanks for helping up see the bigger picture
Nowadays, indeed, many children spend a lot of time on the computer, playing games or surfing the net. Communication online is also another “trend”, especially for teenagers. In my opinion, the best protection for the kids is education.
I’ve tried to educate the kids so that they know why not to misuse the internet and the ways it can irreparably harm them if misused. I feel that getting them to base their own decisions ofn sound principles will keep them from getting into the wrong thing when they think you’re not around, out of a sense of curiosity or rebellion. It needs to be their own decision or at some stage they will resist the rules imposed on them and do it “their” way anyhow.
I think this is a very timely post, and, as you point out, there are some real threats online. One option is using Internet Explorer’s built in Content Advisor. I’m looking forward to the second part of your post.
I don’t believe in such things. I think that, if the child is well-educated, and I don’t mean by this, put in a crystal globe, he’ll be able to protect himself, and use any site he wants, Facebook, Twitter, or whatever socializing site.
@mysocialsite – Good point about educating children about online threats. However, as children develop, they need limits and boundaries. It is the responsibility of the grandparent (or other owner of the computer the kids are using) to create a safe environment for them.