My kids enjoy surfing the Web and discovering new sites. How can I make sure they don't stumble upon something inappropriate?
The easiest solution is to sit next to them and monitor their every click. But that's probably not practical for most parents, nor necessary for any kids who won't go looking for trouble anyway. But at the same time, the Internet's minimally regulated, anything-goes nature makes it the millennial equivalent of the Wild West, with countless sites containing information kids just don't need exposure to. Given enough time, enough curiosity, or even enough bad typing (misspelled Internet addresses can lead to surprising places), your kids may well see something you don't want them to.
Which brings us to some less easy solutions to the question. As it turns out, the same high technology that created this information jungle is also providing some innovative ways of making it safer for children. Coupled with a bit of old-fashioned common sense and a handful of family ground rules (see Kids' Web Safety Pledge), these tools can go a long way toward making your kids' Internet experiences more like Barney and less like Baywatch or worse.
Here's a rundown of each strategy: We'll explain how they work (or don't) and let you decide for yourself what's right for your family.
Gregory Lauzon is a regular contributor to FAMILYFUN.
