Safe use of the Internet

Several sites on the Internet offer sensible advice on Internet usage within the home. Below are listed some of the key points. If further information is sought links to sites have been provided. These sites are either government initiated or government approved.

Links

Parentzone contains links to most of the other suggested sites.

Family code

Many sites suggest establishing a family Internet code. This might include:

• keeping the computer in a communal area
• taking an interest in how the children are using the Internet
• limiting time allowed for usage
• advising children never to give out personal information on line
• asking them to report to parents and possibly school if they unwittingly see undesirable content.

Filters

Some sites also provide descriptions of and evaluations of filtering software ie software which identifies and forbids access to undesirable sites. Unfortunately no system is foolproof though generally a high degree of protection is achieved. Some Internet Service Providers offer the option of filtered or screened usage via parental controls. These controls do not operate automatically however but are an option. Action does have to be taken to make the option operative and again the system is not foolproof