As nice as it is to hear that you can limit the websites that your child or teenager gains access to online, you may be curious as to how you can go about doing so. As it was previously stated, the process is relatively easy. Outlined below are a few steps to help get you started.

1 Open a new Internet Explorer window. You can do this by clicking on that blue e icon that was mentioned above.

2 Click on Tools, from the drop down menu bar at the top of the page.

3 Click on Internet Options, and a new smaller window will appear.

4 Click on the Content, tab, as this is where you are able to set the controls.

5 Under the heading of Content Advisor, you will see an enable button, click on it and a new window will appear.

By following the above mentioned steps, you should get the point where you are able to enter in your preferences. You may first want to start with the ratings. Click on the Ratings, tab.

When using the ratings feature that is provided through Internet Explorer, you will see at least four main headings, which include language, sex, nudity, and violence. You are able to determine what can be viewed on your computer based on levels. For example, Level 1 for violence is fighting, Level 2 is killing, Level 3 is blood and gore, and so forth. Remember that you can readjust these ratings at any point in time.

If you use the internet safety rating features that are provided by Internet Explorer, it is important to know that some sites can innocently be blocked. For example, a site that simply mentions the words violence, or kill, may be blocked, even if they are not violent websites. For that reason, you may need to make some adjustments. This can easily be done by clicking on the Approved Sites, tab.

When you click on the Approved Sites, tab you are able to enter in the websites that you would like to have viewable. This feature is nice to have if your child or teenager is using a family computer, like one that you and your spouse may also use. It addition to listing approved sites, you can also list the websites that you want to never make viewable. This is ideal if you are prohibiting your child from using a social networking website, like MySpace.

Aside from adding the websites that you and other adults in your household view to the approved sites list, you can also use a password. You can create a password for your computer and the parental controls by click on the General, tab. Create a password that is easy for you and the rest of the adults in your household to remember, but one that is hard enough that your child or teen cant figure out themselves. In fact, do not give your child the password. An adult in your home can use it if they ask to have a safe site unblocked.

As you can see, it is relatively easy to protect your child online with the use of internet safety tools when using Internet Explorer. The many options that you have are also nice. Since the above mentioned tools and features are free for you to use, why not at least give them a try? If you are not using Internet Explorer, but rather another browser, like FireFox, you should be able to take similar steps to block potentially harmful or dangerous content from your internet using child.

The first step that you should take, to help keep your child safe online, is to know as much as you can about computers and the internet. Did you know that there are ways for you to see which websites have been visited on a computer? Did you know that some computers already have parental controls installed on them that just need to be set? You can only benefit from these tools that can help to protect your child if you know that they do exist.

Speaking of parental controls, be sure to know what your computer has. If you have an older model computer, you may benefit from purchasing additional software programs. These programs can easily be found for sale online or in most media or office supply stores. As for the programs that may already be on your computer, open up a new Internet Explorer window. From the main headings at the top of the page, click on Tools, and then Internet Options. A new window will appear; highlight the Content, tab and right away you will see an option that lets you block certain content from showing on a computer.

In keeping with parental controls, dont give into a child who complains about them being used. If you create a password to override these controls, which you may need if your whole family shares a computer, that password can also be used for your teenager. Dont give them the password though. Use it to unblock certain sites that they ask and you first approve.

Another easy way that you can protect your child when they use the internet is to have the computer in a frequently traveled room. You can also limit the use of certain websites, like social networking websites or internet chat rooms. Make them only available when you are home or in the same room. If your child has their own computer, like a laptop that they can take anywhere with them, be sure to check the internet history of their computer randomly every week or so.

Speaking of which, do not let your child have their own login information. When you first turn on a computer, you often see a button that says someones name. Many families use one standard account. Your child can easily create their own. If they do, do not let them have their own password. This can make it difficult or impossible for you to examine their online activities. Having you checkup on their online activities may not be something that your teen likes, but you likely purchased the computer and you, as the parent, have the right to check.

As it was previously stated, you will want to check the internet history of a child who has their own computer or if your child uses the family computer when you are not home. If you have Internet Explorer, which most computers do, open a new internet window. Towards the top of the page, you will see a menu bar with a number of pictured icons. You can check the history of a computer by clicking on the icon with a clock and a small green arrow. This should tell you which websites your teenager has been viewing online.

Finally, it is important that you talk with your teenager about the dangers of using the internet, namely social networking websites or internet chat rooms. Teach them what to do if they are harassed online or approached by an internet predator. Make sure they know not to erase the information, but rather to save it or show it to you right away, especially if you decide to contact your local police department.

As nice as it is to hear that you should talk to your teenager about internet safety, you may be curious as to how you can go about doing so. Brining up the subject can be hard, as your teen may automatically become defensive. The good news is that you do have a number of different options. One of those options is to just go for it.

When you outright discuss internet safety with your teenager, make sure that you pick a good time to have the talk. Dont start ranting right away about your teens internet use and the dangers after a disagreement or when tensions are already high. With teenagers, this can lead to other problems. It may cause your teenager to not listen to you just for the point of not listening or they may purposely defy you.

Another option that you have, when looking to discuss internet safety with your child, is to wait until your child gets off the computer. When they walk away, ask them if they know about being safe online and the dangers that the internet has. This is a great opener, when your child is already using the computer. It may make you sound less like an overprotective, overbearing parent, at least in the eyes of your teenager.

When discussing internet safety with your teenager, it is important to not assume that your child already knows. Even if your child stops you and tells you they already know how to be safe online, dont stop. Be sure to restate your point and establish any internet rules you would like your child to follow. It is important to remember that many teenagers think they know everything, but many dont. For example, your child may know that there are internet predators out there, but do they also know that pictures of them smoking or drinking underage could get them suspended from school or even arrested, no matter how cool, they look on a MySpace page?

Speaking of MySpace, it is important to know what you should talk to your child about. Since many teenagers use MySpace and other similar social networking websites, they should be discussed. Make sure your child knows that anyone can hide behind a computer, even a sexual predator. Also, let them know the dangers of posting personal information and pictures on their social networking profiles.

In addition to social networking websites, like MySpace, internet chat rooms should also be discussed. Internet chat rooms are different, but similar in nature to instant messaging programs, like AOL or MSN. Generally speaking, instant messaging programs are safer for teens to use, as they arent automatically paired up and thrown into a chat room with other internet users, who are essentially strangers. As with social networking websites, make sure that your child knows that they could, essentially, be talking to anyone. Tell them to get out of a chat room right away if the tone turns sexual in nature or if they receive a private message from someone who makes them feel uncomfortable.

You may also want to discuss personal blogs. Many websites, like Blogger.com and WordPress.com allow internet users to start free blogs. Many teens find this a nice and easy way to vent or allow their friends to stay up-to-date on their thoughts. Your teenager needs to know that anyone can view these blogs, so their information really isnt private and personal, say as a handwritten journal.

As you can see, there are a number of different ways that you can go about discussing internet safety with your teenager. Remember to do so, however, before it is too late. Any child who uses the internet should be well aware of the dangers that lurk.

A child should never know more than a parent does about the internet. At the very least, you should know about the same. If you are looking to block adult websites or websites that have offensive language, it will not do you any good if your teenager knows ways to get around the parental controls that you set. That is why it is important that you know how to use a computer and the internet or learn if you dont know.

Another reason why you should be well educated on the internet and computer use is because you are better able to fully understand the dangers of them. You may hear that an internet predator approached or kidnapped a child on the news, but you may automatically assume that it will not happen to your child. Unfortunately, until you understand how the internet works, you really have no idea. Does your child use internet chat rooms or social networking websites? If so, do you know how easy the internet makes it for someone to create a whole new, fake identity?

A good understanding of computer and internet use can better enable you to protect your child. Do you know that Internet Explorer, the browser that comes standard, has a free parental control option that just needs to be activated? A few easy steps and you can have certain websites blocked from your child. Unfortunately, you wont know this if you dont know all that you can know about the computer or the internet. Speaking of the internet, additional online safety tools for parents can be purchased online as well.

Now that you know the importance of staying in the know about the internet and a computer in general, you may be curious as to how you can go about doing so. The good news is that there are a number of ways that you can learn all that you need to know about computer and internet use. A few of these ways are outlined below for your convenience.

Teaching yourself is an easy way to learn about the internet and computer use. In fact, what better way is there than to just jump on the computer and see what you can find. For starters, examine your computer or your internet browser for free internet safety tools for parents. You may also want to visit some of the websites that your child visits, just to see what they are subjecting themselves to. Visit their online profile for MySpace, Facebook, or another social networking website. Does it make you uneasy? Are the discussions taking place in your childs favorite chat room too adult?

You can also ask a trusted friend or relative for help. Do not ask your child or teenager for help though. If they know that you want to set up parental controls or keep tabs on their internet use, they may withhold important information from you. Instead, invite a trusted friend or relative over for coffee and lunch and let them show you the ins and outs of the internet. All you really need is a couple of hours.

You can also take an internet or computer education course. These courses are sometimes offered for free or for an affordable fee by local community groups, colleges, or vocational training centers. In fact, see if your childs school offers anything. Some schools host informational seminars for parents on internet safety about once a year.

As nice as it is to hear that you should be active, involved, and in the know when it comes to your child or teenager and the internet, you may be wondering what is so important about doing so. Although you may use the internet to search for jobs online or pay your bills, it is important to remember that there is so much more out there. Your child can and may be doing more than just doing research for a school project. They may be using online chat rooms, private instant messaging programs, and social networking websites.

As for why online chat rooms, private instant messaging programs, and social networking sites are dangerous, it is important to remember that the internet makes it easy to pretend to be someone else. Your child may unknowingly end up making a 50 year old friend, thinking that friend is their own age. Information posted online has also been used for harassment or harmful purposes when otherwise high school or junior high school friends have a falling out.

Now that you know the importance of staying updated and in the know about your childs internet use, you may be curious as to how you can go about doing so. The good news is that it is relatively easy to do so.

The first step is to make sure that you are computer literate yourself. Do you know how to check your computers internet history? Better yet, do you even know what a computers internet history is or does? If not, you will want to take a computer course or ask a trusted friend or relative, other than your child, to give you a crash course. You will want to learn as much as you can about the internet and a computer, but be sure to know about parental controls, a computers internet history, and so forth.

Speaking of checking your computers internet history, be sure that you do so. Your computers internet history records all of the websites that are visited within the last week or past few days. To do so, open up a new Internet Explorer window. Towards the top of the page you should see a number of icons. Click on the one that has a clock with a green arrow partly around it. This should be the computers internet history. What websites has your teenager or child visited?

Another easy way to stay involved in your childs internet use is to set parental controls. Most computers come standard with them. Make your parental controls password protected. Do not give your child the password, but do use it to unlock websites that may innocently be blocked on accident, like those needed for a school research project.

Moving your childs computer into a family room or a frequently traveled room is advised. In fact, your child should be able to use a shared family computer. This tends to limit the visiting of potential dangerous chat rooms and social networking websites, as most teens like to view these sites in private. If you must, limit your childs use of the computer to certain times, like when you are home or in the room.

Be sure to talk to your child about the dangers of the internet. Let them know that it is possible to meet internet predators online, especially with the use of private chat rooms or social networking websites. Let them know that if they are harassed, whether it be by someone they know or dont know, contact you immediately. You may, in turn, want to contact the proper authorities.

For starters, it is important to know that the computer and internet makes it easy for someone to be anyone they want to. In fact, an internet user can claim to be someone famous, a superhero, or another teenager. There is nothing out there that can stop them. If your child is using a chat room for teenagers or younger children, they need to know the dangers of exchanging personal information with strangers or online friends. Because, anyone can be at the other end of the computer.

Another common danger of using online chat rooms is the screen names. Screen names are what is used to identity your child and differentiate them from other chat room users. If you allow your child to use an online chat room, there is one internet safety step that must be taken. Have your child create a separate screen name that will not be used elsewhere. If they use part of their email address, a screen name that appears on other websites or online message boards, or part of their full name, a standard internet search could lead internet predators to your childs real identity.

It is also important to know that anyone can get into a chat room. Unfortunately, this is an important internet safety fact that many parents do not realize. Just because your teenager is in an online chat room that is designed for kids between the ages of 14 to 17, it doesnt mean that everyone is the same age in the room. No age verification is required to get into most online chat rooms. As it was previously stated, the internet makes it easy for anyone to create a false identity. This false identity can be used to lure in your child and other young internet users.

One of the reasons why children and teenagers like to use internet chat rooms is because it automatically connects them with a number of other internet users. In fact, an online chat room could have as many as one hundred or more internet users talking in it. Unfortunately, many parents do not realize that some chat rooms have private messaging programs available. This means that a person, who may actually be a 50 or 60 years old man or woman, could send a private message and communicate directly with your child. This is actually how many teenagers and children get into trouble with online predators.

As you can see, there are a number of dangers that lurk around internet chat rooms. Does this mean that your child shouldnt use them? In all honesty, the decision is yours to make, as you are the parent. With that said, a number of factors should be taken into consideration, such as your childs age and maturity level. Do you trust your child to follow the rules that you set in place concerning internet use and the use of online chat rooms?

Speaking of rules, be sure to have them if you let or know that your son or daughter is using internet chat rooms. Do not let them visit chat rooms that are designed for adults only. This makes them an easy target. Also, be sure they know that just because someone claims to be a 15 year old boy or girl, it doesnt mean that they are. They should also never send out pictures or videos of themselves, even when asked, and no other personal information should be exchanged.

If internet chat rooms concern you, which they should, you may want to point your child in the direction of online message boards instead. Online message boards, also commonly referred to as online forums, are different as the information appears as separate posts, as opposed to live chats. While there are no guarantees, you will find that most online message boards, especially those that are designed for children and teenagers are monitored by a trusted adult. This means that offensive posts should be removed in a timely matter.

As important as it is to hear that your child can find themselves in trouble online, if you do not know what internet safety steps can help to protect them, you may be looking for more information. You also may be curious as to what it is about the internet that can be so dangerous. For your convenience, five reasons why internet use can be dangerous for children and teenagers are highlighted below.

1 False Identities Are Easy to Create

Making new friends online is easy and convenient, but it is much different than doing so in person. Why? Because you cant see who is at the other end of the computer. The internet makes it easy for someone to be anyone else in the world. For example, if your child is using social networking websites online, they have to enter in their age. They could easily lie themselves or they could be talking to someone else who is.

2 Internet Predators

As it was previously stated, the internet makes it easy to create a new, false identity. Often times, the individuals who lie about their ages are internet predators. They are the ones who target children, like yours. Unfortunately, many children, teenagers, and their parents cannot tell an internet predator until it is too late, like when the predators try to approach your child or contact them in person.

3 So Many Websites To Choose From

What is nice about the internet is that you have so many websites to choose from. In fact, that is why it is a good way to research school projects. With that said, having so many websites to choose from can be dangerous. Your child can gain access to social networking websites, adult chat rooms, pornographic websites, and websites that are violent in nature. Unless you have parental controls set up, your child can easily access any type of website with a standard internet search.

4 Not All Information Is Private

Unfortunately, many individuals, including both children and parents, do not know that the information that is posted online isnt always private. For starters, most teens have their MySpace profiles set to public, as opposed to private. This means that anyone can view it. There are also online message boards that are indexed by the search engines. This means that others can view the conversations that were discussed, even years down the road.

5 They Are In Control

When your child uses the internet, they are the ones who are in control. This can be okay if your child is older and mature, but you honestly never know. You may ask your child not to communicate with strangers online, give out their phone numbers, or share pictures with strangers, but that doesnt mean that they will follow your rules. For that reason, if you do let your child use the internet, be sure to monitor their use.

For your convenience, there are four signs that your teenager may be in trouble online. If any of these signs apply to your child, you will want to take action right away.

1 They Get on the Computer at the Same Time Everyday

What many parents do not realize is that children and teenagers can easily become targets of online child predators. Many also do not realize that this process doesnt always happen overnight. Some child predators pretend to be the ages of their targets. They then work to gain the trust of those targets. This can take a few days or a few weeks. You may be able to tell if this is happening though if your child gets on the internet at the same time, every single day. This is a good sign that they are communicating directly with someone, who may not have pure intentions.

2 They Are Secretive When They Use the Computer

How does your child act when they are using the computer? Does your child try to hide what they are doing online from you? If they automatically shut off the computer or put a game on the screen, they may be trying to prevent you from seeing what they are doing online. This is a good sign that your child may be doing something they shouldnt be doing online, like having direct, personal conversations with a stranger, who may be a child predator.

3 They Are Very Happy When Getting Off the Computer

If your child is overly happy when they sign off the internet, they may be on the path to trouble. This sign can be a little bit tricky though. Your child may be happy because they just finished a long school project, but you honestly never know. If your teenager is communicating with someone online, they may be in the process of starting a relationship, which they are happy about. Unfortunately, many teenagers do not realize that anyone can hide behind a computer. That is why it is important that you talk to your child about the dangers of starting an online romance.

4 They Are Very Depressed

As previously stated, your child may be very happy when using the internet, but another warning sign is that they are depressed, especially when they sign off the computer. What many parents do not realize is that other teenagers use the internet for harassment. If your teenager has a falling out with one of their friends, they may find themselves being harassed online. If that is the case, your child may seem very down, depressed, and withdrawn.

The four above mentioned signs are just a few of the many that you will want to look for to see if your child is in trouble online. With that said, there are additional signs that you will want to be on the lookout for, the biggest being a change in behavior. If you do suspect that your child has or is about to run into trouble online, be sure to talk to them and as soon as possible.

As it was previously stated, numerous situations can develop online that have the potential to be dangerous. One of those situations is when personal information is exchanged with a stranger. Has your child recently given away your phone number, address, or their email address to someone who they dont really know?

If so, be sure to change as much information as possible. This may involve changing your home phone number or your childs cell phone number or email address. Be sure to take additional safety steps, such as always being aware of your surroundings, locking your home and car, and you may also want to contact your local authorities. Be sure to talk to your child about the dangers of exchanging personal information online.

In keeping with exchanging personal information online, your child may end up talking to an adult, thinking that they are another teenager or close to their age. If that is the case, your child is likely dealing with an internet predator, who can be old enough to be a parent or a grandparent.

If your child has made contact, intentionally or unintentionally, with an older person online, has any personal information been exchanged? If so, change that information, like your childs email address, cell phone, or even if your home phone number. Make sure that the contact stops immediately. Contact the authorities, school officials, and make sure that all family members know. Get as much information you can about the real person behind the computer. The police may be able to help you do so.

Many high school and junior high school students use social networking websites, like MySpace. Unfortunately, many also mistakenly believe that it is a good idea to try to look cool, online and at any cost. Your child may post pictures or videos of themselves online doing illegal activities, like smoking or drinking underage, stealing, or doing drugs.

If this is something that your child has done, be sure to remove the pictures or videos right away. If your childs pictures or videos have been viewed by school officials or authorities, they may be facing punishment. A lawyer should be called if your child is arrested. If your child is suspended from school or extra curricular activities, speak to school officials. What can be done by both you, the parent, and your child?

Online harassment is another common problem that children, namely junior high school and high school students face. This harassment can be done by a complete stranger, an online friend, or a friend right at school. When friends have a falling out or even just a simple disagreement, many turn to the internet to seek revenge, as it is easy to hide behind a computer.

If your child finds themselves a victim of online harassment, the authorities should be contacted. This is particularly important if your child does not actually know, in person, the individual who is making threats or spreading harmful rumors. If the individual doing so is a former friend or another individual at school, there are a number of steps that you can take. If you know the child and their parents, consider arranging a meeting, but be cautious and use your best judgment. Alternatives involve contacting the authorities or the school.

As you can see, there are a number of troubling and potentially dangerous situations that your child can find themselves in online. Just make sure that you, as the parent, take steps to help and protect your child.

So, are you a parent whose child uses the internet? If you are, there is a good chance that your child is also using MySpace. Do you know? You may be surprised just how many junior high school and high school students use MySpace as a way to communicate with friends, as well as a way to meet new friends. Although all websites have the potential to be dangerous, MySpace, you can say, has an increased risk. For that reason, it is important to monitor your childs use of MySpace.

As important as it is to hear that MySpace can be dangerous for children and teenagers, you may be looking for more information. Many parents are unaware of the dangers that MySpace and the internet in general holds. The best way to protect your child online and on MySpace is to be aware.

One reason why you need to monitor your childs use of MySpace is because of internet predators, which are also often sexual predators. MySpace makes it easy for strangers to communicate with each other. The internet in general makes it easy to be someone else, like someone a lot younger or someone a lot older. Your child may end up talking to a 50 year old man or women, who pretends to be someone their age. For that reason, you need to monitor your childs MySpace account. Make sure that they are not sharing personal information online, such as their full name, phone number, or address.

Another one of the many reasons why you should monitor your childs use of MySpace is because of pictures and video. MySpace allows all internet users to post pictures and videos. In fact, it is relatively easy to do so. All profiles that are public can be viewed by others. In keeping with internet predators, MySpace also records and posts your childs location, such as the city and state. Posting this information, along with their first name, the school, and a personal photo or video can make it easier for your children to be found, even by those who they havent made direct contact with online.

Although internet predators are often the biggest threat of children using the internet and MySpace, there is another danger that lurks. There have been multiple news reports that highlight children, mostly teenagers, who have been suspended from school, suspended from sports teams, or arrested. This is often the result of a MySpace user posting pictures or videos of them doing something illegal, like stealing, doing drugs, or drinking underage. If this is information that your child has on their MySpace page, you will want to see it and get it removed before their school or the authorities do.

Now that you know some of the dangers that children face when using MySpace, you may be curious as to how you can go about protecting them. First, make sure you know if your child has a MySpace account. You can view your computers history or perform a search on the MySpace.com page to see if your child has a profile listed. If they do, view their profile. You should talk to your child about the dangers of MySpace anyways, but you should definitely talk to them if you see something disturbing on their MySpace page. This should include conversations that take a sexual tone or the exchange of personal information.

As a reminder, the monitoring of your childs MySpace use is extremely important. No matter how mature or reliable your child is, they may unintentionally become a victim.