There are some worrying statistics regarding children’s use of computers
- 1 in 3 children have been victims of cyber bullying
- 80% of children report that they access the internet alone
- Over 22% of children have internet access in their bedrooms
(Child exploitation and online protection centre)
Do you know what your child is watching online, who they are chatting to and who they are ‘friends’ with? The computer can be an indispensable part of a child’s education but can expose them to some unwanted side effects. What can you do to protect them?
All Windows based computers have Parental Controls which allow you to:
- Control the type of websites that are accessed
- Control the types of games/programs that are run
- Control when the computer can be used
But is this enough? In addition, there are some new child protection software packages that increase your ability to protect your child. These can provide:
- Email notifications – know what your child is up to without having to ask
- Notification about the subject and content of Instant Messaging
- Visibility of your child’s social networking ‘friends’, photos they post and view
- Remote login – manage your account from any computer with internet access
- Multiple profiles for different aged children and, of course, adults!
- Detailed reports to allow you to check the content viewed on all protected computers
The computer shouldn’t be something to be feared or avoided but does need adequate parental control to make a safe learning environment for your child.
If you have questions regarding how to set up basic parental controls or would like more information on enhanced child safety via child protection software or have any other computer issue then contact your local PC PAL Engineer.
Written by Peter Clarke, PC PAL Andover
