Internet Safety for Kids

Few weeks ago my daughter (10 y.o) came to me and asked if she could have her own email address. The first concern I had in mind was not about the cost but more about Internet safety.

At the moment, there are plenty free web based email accounts on the Internet, such as Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail, etc. Nevertheless, we also know that there are a lot of bad guys out there, so how could we protect our children but in the same time allowing them to learn and take advantages from the Internet?

My question was answered when I read about Family Safety from Windows Live OneCare. This free software allows us to manage and monitor our children's :

a. Email and messenger contact list (only applicable for Hotmail or Windows Live)

b. Blocked and approved Internet sites, including list of sites that has been visited

In order to do point b. first we have to download and install the Family Safety software to each computers that will be used by our children. Those computers must have Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or later, Internet Explorer 6 or later or Firefox 1.5 or later.

 

 

After downloading this software, every time they want to connect to the Internet, they will be asked for their Hotmail or Windows Life username and a password. The Internet security setting on that computer then will be adjusted according to the user (as a parent we will be able to adjust a different security setting for each children) and when ever our children want to add a contact or a web site address, a permission letter will be sent by email to us to approve or reject the request on line.

Please note that we can only monitor the browsing activities  if the Family Safety software is installed on that computer. Also make sure that the children don't know their parent password.

If you like to know more and download this free service, you can visit their site here .