June is National Internet Safety Month

The Internet offers endless resources for information but also its fair share of risks to personal safety and online reputation.

Many parents allow children to go online on the home computer for both educational and entertainment purposes. They struggle with how to handle the many safety and privacy issues, such as spyware, inappropriate website content and cyber bullying. When a child leaves the home with a smartphone in hand, those concerns only become more complex and worrisome. Parents wonder who she's contacting, what she's texting, what content she's seeing. And, all of these concerns are valid.

This article presents several methods to help parents keep their children safe. All families are different, so you may find some or all of these pointers helpful for your home.

Talk About the Dangers

Educate yourself about the risks and threats of the Internet, particularly the dangers for children. Through conversation, your child can learn how to identify safe websites from risky ones and to avoid downloading or uploading dangerous content. This website provides many resources as discussion starters, such as the articles The Cell Phone Guide for Families and A Parent's Role in Putting a Stop to Cyberbullying and our basics about malware.

Keep Your Computer and Software Updated

Shore up your computer's protection by using anti-virus software, anti-spyware and a firewall. It's imperative that you use the latest versions of these tools, so download the updates when you are notified about them. In addition, upgrade your operating system, browsers and other software regularly so that you have the latest protections.

Install Parental Monitoring Software

Software is available for families that will equip them with various tools that can be adjusted according to the level of control a family prefers.

The tools offer content-filtering for the web, usage controls that determine what children can access and for how long, and other helpful features. One product, for example, that helps shield children from inappropriate online content and potentially unsafe online encounters is McAfee Safe Eyes - Free Trial .

Similar products exist to help parents and their children to feel empowered about their internet safety options. Read more about parental monitoring software, and visit our Tools page  for more software suggestions.

Engage Your Child's School

Schools face a struggle with trying to balance the teaching of technology, encouraging communication and protecting children's safety and privacy online. Schools currently debate the topics of technology curriculum, computer use in schools, and cyberbullying policies. As a parent, you can educate yourself on the decisions the school is making and make your voice heard.

A recent national study  by NCSA found that K-12 schools feel ill prepared to educate students on cyber ethics, cyber safety and cyber security. You can help your school to understand that these are topics that are important to you.

National Internet Safety Month is designed to raise awareness of the protective strategies available to families that will help them fully enjoy the benefits of the Internet. You can enjoy having fewer worries by educating yourself about the issues and the tools available to help you stay safe.