Parents have concerns about young people and computers

Recent studies by groups such as Statistics Canada, Ipsos-Reid and the Media Awareness Network indicate Canadian youth are going online in record numbers. Whether for schoolwork, entertainment or the opportunity to interact with friends, the Internet has become the centre of many households.

While kids are logging on, their parents are getting concerned about the potential dangers that lurk online.

What are the most common Internet-related concerns reported by parents, and how to overcome them?

n Online Safety? Whether it is strangers in chat rooms or websites that are inappropriate for kids, the top concern for most parents is Internet safety. The most important precaution any parent can take involves working with a quality Internet service provider that will provide a security package that includes parental controls, which are software applications that help control a child's access to Internet. When parents install and activate parental control software, they can grant or restrict access to specific Web sites. Internet service providers also offer customized protection levels based on a child's age to block or approve specific Web sites or site categories.

n  PC Security - Worms, viruses, Trojan horses, spyware. if encountered by an inexperienced surfer, these and other Internet scoundrels can wreak havoc on your home computer, leading to problems like identity theft. The key is to make sure your computer is equipped to fend off these threats. For example, Bell Canada, which recently won an award for Online Safety Leadership from the Authentication and Online Trust Alliance (AOTA), offers a special all-in-one Security Plus package that features anti-virus and firewall services along with pop-up blockers and a web privacy control service that makes sure your computer is secure and protected.

n Internet Overload: Given the wealth of resources on the Internet, it's no surprise that many kids are tempted to spend as much time as possible in front of the computer. How to ensure that the online experience doesn't lead to hours of aimless surfing? Work with your child to set up an Internet schedule that makes sense for their needs, both social and academic. And above all, be involved: go online with your child, talk to them about your own experience and keep a close eye on them when they are online to ensure that their Internet experience is a positive one.

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