| How do I block mySpace and similar websites? There | | | | Logging Software monitors and logs all keystrokes |
| are many ways to accomplish this task, but first lets | | | | while your children are online. |
| find out if you really want to completely block sites | | | | Blocking, monitoring, and logging what's the |
| like these or if want to restrict access by children, or | | | | difference? |
| allow teens access and monitor their online behavior. | | | | A blocking program has the ability to automatically |
| The latter choice/option being the preferred way to | | | | block most inappropriate sites. Most blocking |
| go. You know as well as I do, if you make | | | | programs along with their automatic blocking, will |
| restrictions on teens or you stop them from doing | | | | allow you to specify which sites you want blocked |
| something as a form of punishment they will find a | | | | and which sites you want to allow. They should all be |
| way to undermine your authority. They will find a | | | | password protected to keep the kids out. Most |
| way or sneak online somewhere else. And the | | | | blockers work well, although, the downside is that |
| possible outcome could be very tragic. | | | | some can be a bit too restrictive. |
| Another option to help teens, is by becoming an | | | | For instance, CYBERsitter (one of the most used) |
| active partner in the mySpace craze. Make your own | | | | would never allow kids to upload pictures to their |
| profile find out what all the excitement is about and | | | | boards. Granted, this isn't necessarily bad, but when |
| show them how you would surf and add friends and | | | | given the ok, a child expects to be able to upload |
| why you as a parent would also want to make | | | | their photo(s), and expect CYBERsitter to allow them |
| correct choices and be safe (adults need to be safe | | | | to upload. However, it won't allow it, you'll have to |
| also). Teach them how to use common sense and | | | | manually disable it and wait for them to finish, and |
| show each of your children the proper way to enjoy | | | | then re-enable the software. |
| the Internet. It's a great teaching moment! Manage | | | | A monitoring program monitors web sites visited, |
| your child's computer time with Parental Control | | | | applications used on the computer, like MSword or a |
| Software packages! | | | | game. Most monitoring programs also have a blocking |
| Option # 1: | | | | function. |
| Source Code can be used to prevent objectionable | | | | A logging program or key logger as they are called, |
| websites but, there are some limitation. Also (you'll | | | | simply logs all keystrokes made on your computer. |
| need to know how to do some minor programming) | | | | Most, will also log incoming chat sessions and email. |
| but it's simple enough, just follow the directions. | | | | These programs, as far as I am concerned, are a |
| Option # 2: | | | | must if you have kids chatting and using email. They |
| Monitoring Software can be used to monitor online | | | | will not stop bad things from happening, but they will |
| activity by using software to Record Emails, Chats, | | | | log exactly what was said and when. |
| IMs, Web Sites, Programs Run, Keystrokes Typed, | | | | Please take an active roll with your children no matter |
| Peer to Peer File Sharing, Screen Snapshots - Plus - | | | | what choice you make as far blocking or not blocking |
| Offers Internet Access Blocking and Instant | | | | Internet access. Show your children you care about |
| Notification Alerts. | | | | what they do online, as well as in school, sports, |
| Option # 3: | | | | hobbies, and friends. |
| Blocking Software might be a Wise Choice that will | | | | Each option covers different levels of security. If you |
| protect your children, by completely blocking their | | | | follow the advice that is provided on each option, |
| use of objectionable websites. The software may | | | | you are going to greatly improve and enjoy your |
| also block some sites that could be used for | | | | experiences online and your children will too. Keep |
| homework. | | | | your children safe. |
| Option # 4: | | | | |