Five Free and Easy Ways to Keep Your Kids Safe Online

These days, most kids spend a lot of time on the internet. As a parent, you might worry about what they can see or do online. Some paid programs like Net Nanny can help, but they can cost a lot. The good news is that you don’t need to spend money to protect your kids. There are a few simple things you can do at home using your router and computer.

Here are five free ways to help keep your children safe online:

1. Use WPA Security on Your Router
Some smart teens know how to break weak Wi-Fi passwords. WEP security is easy to hack. But WPA is stronger. It helps stop anyone from using the internet without permission. This also keeps kids from avoiding controls by using other devices like phones or tablets.

2. Create a Strong Router Password
Many people never change the default password on their router. If your kids know it, they can change the settings. Use a strong password that they cannot guess. This will help stop them from turning off any safety controls you add.

3. Limit Admin Access on the Computer
Make sure your child does not have admin access on the computer. Only you should have the main account with full control. Give your child a separate account with fewer permissions. This helps prevent them from changing important settings.

4. Use Windows Parental Controls
If you use Windows, it has built-in parental controls. You can block apps, limit screen time, and stop access to unsafe websites. You can also keep track of what your child does on the computer.

5. Set Up Managed Accounts on Mac
If you have a Mac, you can make a managed account for your child. This lets you choose which apps they can use and which websites they can visit. You can also control who can message or email them. It even stops them from opening private files on the computer.

These tips won’t stop every risk, but they are a great start. They are also free and easy to use. For young kids, these steps may be all you need. If your kids are older, you can decide later if you want to pay for more advanced tools.

For more help, check out the Internet Safety for Kids and Internet Safety tutorials online.