Seeing Potential Problems

Some signs that a child might be spending too much time on the Internet or might be in an unhealthy e-mail or chat room relationship include shutting the door when going online; quickly logging off when you approach; telephone calls or packages to your child from someone you don't know.

If you are worried about where your child goes on the Internet, check your browser's history or cache folder (see instructions below). And if your concerns are justified or if the history file is suspiciously empty, it's time for a frank talk and firm consequences for breaking the rules.

It's not difficult to find out which sites your child has been visiting. Web browsers are designed to store a history, which shows names of sites clicked on. The key is to find the files located in your browser's history folder or cache, and just follow the bread crumbs.

• To find the cache folder in a Windows system, go to START and select SEARCH. Choose FILES and type in the word "cache." You can also look for a folder called "Temporary Internet Files" where recent Web graphics are stored.
• For Macintosh computers, select FIND in the File Menu and search for the word "cache." You'll see a list of folders and files of Web activity.
• You can open graphics files with your browser software. From the file menu, simply select OPEN.

Filtering programs prohibit certain words or pictures from being viewed. Keep in mind, though, that filters can make regular Web surfing clumsy and may also filter valuable sites. Leading filters include:

• Net Nanny 4.0, Net Nanny Software Inc., $40, www.netnanny.com. Runs on Windows XP, 2000, 98, 95, NT and ME. This proven performer has lots of customization features.
• CYBERsitter 2000, Solid Oak Software, $40, www.cybersitter.com. Runs on Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, and XP. It's a reliable performer with intelligent content filtering.
• Cyber Patrol 5.0, Surfcontrol, $50 per year, www.cyberpatrol.com. Runs on Windows 98, ME, NT, 2000, and XP. This is a filter plus a subscription to a list of off-limits sites that you can download for updates.
• Norton Internet Security 2001 Family Edition Symantec, $100, www.symantec.com. Runs on Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP, and Mac OSX. One of the most stringent filters, it also lets you scan for viruses and block banner ads.

SafeKids.Com. This site features guidelines for parents, Internet safety contracts for parents and kids to sign, and links to kid-friendly search engines and safe kids' sites.

SafeKids.Com

GetNetWise. Select filtering software products based on your stated needs. It also features safety guidelines.

GetNetWise

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. This site includes a cyber-tip line to report suspicious Internet activity.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

The FBI's web site include an area for children and parents, and includes more detail about how online predators try to target children and what you can do to prevent or stop it.

FBI Parent's Guide to Internet Safety