Internet Safety Tips: 4 things you can do

Follow these steps to help protect your children's privacy and safety when they're using the computer.

Step 1: Decide where your child can and can't go on the internet

It is a good idea to visit some sites for kids.  Pay particular attention when sites  collect personal information.  Read the privacy statement and, if you don't agree with it, search a little to find a similar site that doesn't request personal information.

Block Inappropriate Content.  One of the best defenses against inappropriate content is to block it before you see it.  

With Zilladog.com all communications are coming from buddies you approved for your child.  This will automatically filter out all inappropriate spam and unsolicited email.  It is a good idea to select the setting to be copied on your child's emails, at least in the beginning.  Even with approved buddies, sometimes content needs to be discussed.

Step 2: Increase you security and privacy

In addition to blocking inappropriate content, it is a good idea to  block sites and downloads that might be a risk to your security and privacy.

Set limits on downloads.  Free games, free music, animated tool bars and other downloads can expose your computer to spyware and other unwanted software.  Depending on the ages of your children, you can teach them not to download software from unknown sources on the internet or ask your permission before they download anything.  This can help to keep unwanted software off your computer.  A child might accidentally infect your computer with spyware or other unwanted software.  Some popular sites for kids might try to download programs without permission. 

Use anitvirus and antispyware.  Antivirus and antispyware helps you detect, disable or remove viruses, spyware and other potentially unwanted software.

Step 3: Monitor where your kids go online

Keep your computer in a family area.  It is a good idea to keep the computer your kids will be using in a family area of your home.  This way you can monitor their internet activity and still let them have free time to play. It might not be possible to be present whenever your children are online.  But it is possible to check later to see where you children have spent their time online. By viewing the History list in your browser, you can see all the places your children visited online.

It isn't spying.  Remember, this isn't spying on your children.  It is teaching them how to be responsible on the internet and protecting them against dangers unknown to them.

Step 4: Remind kids not to talk to strangers online

Real-time chats, social networking and instant messaging can be a great way for children to discuss their interest and build friendships.  But the anonymity of the internet can also put children at risk of falling victim to impostors and predators.  Zilladog.com uses are parent approved buddy system for our email and chat service.  You need to enter a  parent password to approve a buddy for them.  This means when on the Zilladog.com website, your child will only be communicating with people they actually know and who have been approved by you, the parent.

To help minimize your children's vulnerability on other social networking and communication websites, teach them to take precautions, such as:

Use only a first name or nickname to identify themselves.
Never disclose a phone number, address, or even what school they attend.
Never send photographs of themselves.
Never agree to meet someone they met online without supervision.
Never give your password to anyone but your parents.