Here are some steps to help you get started making a safer online expe-
rience for the whole family:➟ Discuss online safety positively with your grandchil-
dren or other minors in your care — especially those
who want to go online from your computer(s). Listen
to what they want to do, and talk about what it takes
to respect each other’s safety needs.➟ Figure out what works for your personal and family
values. Treat each child and teen uniquely because
there is no one-size-fits-all solution.➟ Decide which activities they are ready for, and create a
plan to help them get ready to take on new activities
with the corresponding responsibilities that go with
them.➟ Install safety software (see Norton Antivirus, shown in
Figure 11-1,for an example), use it unfailingly and
always keep it current. (Much of this software is free).
Depending on the age and maturity of minors in your
care, or using your computer, you may also want con-
tent filtering and family safety (parental control) soft-
ware installed. See Chapter 15 to learn more about
technology tools.➟ Be transparent. Nothing will kill trust and collabora-
tion faster than spying. If you install family safety
tools to monitor activity be up front about it and
explain why it’s there.➟ Encourage the children in your care to be selective
about who they interact with online and which sites
they visit.214
Part II: Using the Internet While Dodging the Risk