Even before the popularity of YouTube, the presence of online video was a concern to parents. The technology actually opened many doors to learning and is a valuable asset to the internet. However, any tool can be used in a negative way, and video is no exception.
Be vigilant about reviewing the sites your child discovers, since video players can easily be installed on any website. Don’t hesitate to block those that offer videos of inappropriate or offensive material.
Weblogs, or blogs for short, are multiplying rapidly. A blog is a type of website that allows easy addition of content on a regular basis. Some blogs are simply online diaries, while others are topic or industry specific. Blogs tend to have their own particular voice, ranging from formal and instructional to casual and creative.
Two concerns regarding blogs exist for parents. First, kids can be exposed to hateful or inappropriate opinions if they stumble upon the wrong blogs. As with other websites, it is important to monitor and limit the places your child is exposed to, ensuring that he reads only material that you approve.
Second, blogging is a popular form of self-expression among tweens and teens. It is healthy, to a degree, to have an outlet for emotions and attitudes they are more comfortable expressing to their peers. At the same time, anything they post is available for public consumption. It is easy to err on the side of indiscretion because the internet feels so anonymous. Beyond publishing words they may later regret, kids could be putting themselves at risk if they reveal too much about themselves.
If you allow your child to blog, consider making it a rule that you have access to the site, and be certain to check often for new posts and comments by readers. It will put you in a stronger position to intervene if necessary, by being aware of potential problems before they get out of control.
Adware and spyware can put your family at risk by capturing personal information, interfering with your system’s efficiency, and slowing operations until the computer is no longer functional. These spurious programs are often embedded in downloads and are difficult if not impossible for a child to detect.
As a precaution, make it a family rule never to click on pop-ups, or download applications, screensavers, or files from music and video sharing sites. These are often infected with viruses and malware, and once they are introduced into your system, they are very difficult to remove.
Anti-spyware and anti-adware software can help you identify whether your computer is being affected or not. For more information on protecting your computer, visit http://chinese-school.netfirms.com/ computer-article-spyware-pop-ups.html, or visit your equipment manufacturer’s website.
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Thank you for posting your comment on my Article on how not to get pwned by spyware. As a gamer, and a nerd I am constantly having to keep my computers safe. I’ve noticed a lot of non-nerds getting hosed by stupid software that is preventable. Your site looks to be more in-depth and focused on the subject of malware so I’m glad that someone is trying to help keep the troops up-to-date. I’ll be checking back from time-to-time!
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