By L. Fabry
The internet can bring the entire world to your lap or desktop. Unfortunately, predators and other dangers can also find their way to your home without ever setting foot in it. Check out these best 100 tips for raising Christian kids on the internet with tips on safe surfing, family friendly sites, Christian shopping, parenting, and even alternatives to the internet.
Tips for Safe Internet Surfing for Kids
Collected from experts from across the nation, follow these simple steps as a first precaution to keep your children safe while on the internet.
- 1. Have a family computer. Monitor activities and time spent on the computer by keeping it in an open space, such as the kitchen or living room. If you need a new computer, Dell has many affordable models in both desktop and laptop.
2. Don’t leave kids alone with the computer. This means allowing them to use it after everyone goes to bed or letting them take the laptop into their room. Leaving a child alone with a computer is leaving them alone to the advances they will receive.
3. Educate yourself. Kids are smarter than you think. They will pick up new sites, uses, and tricks to the computer quickly. Visit a site like Internet 101 to learn more about the basics, online safety, software, and much more.
4. Run a Google search for your child’s name or nickname. Results can include social network pages, school activities, and even content posted on your child by other people.
5. Run a Google search for your phone number, address, etc. This will help to see if your child has given away any sensitive information on your family.
6. Talk with your children about safe surfing. Let them know that inappropriate content sent to them is not their fault and should be shown to a parent immediately.
7. Talk with your children about what is going on with their life. Not as easy as it sounds, but it helps decrease the odds that they will turn to the internet for a stranger to talk to.
Warning Signs for Unsafe Surfing
If your child is conducting dangerous activity, they may show one or all of the signs listed below.
- 8. Watch out for children who close browsers or windows when parents pass by. A quick use of the “Back” button or History view will tell you what your child is up to.
9. You can also use the cookies to see what sites have been visited by your computer. How Stuff Works has a quick and easy guide on cookies.
10. Look for withdrawal. A kid who begins to act differently and spends more and more time on the computer may be communicating with unsafe individuals.
11. Monitor phone calls. Using caller i.d. or your own phone records can tell you who has been calling the house or numbers that have been dialed out. Suspicious of law enforcement, predators will often try to confirm your child’s identity by phone.
12. Watch for mysterious packages arriving at the home. Predators may try to sway your child by sending gifts to the house. Be aware if your child receives mail or boxes from strangers.
13. Contact law enforcement immediately if your child is being stalked by a predator. Be sure to gather all chat logs, emails, correspondence, phone calls, etc. to give to them.
14. Let up every once in a while. If your child or teen has shown a pattern of responsible behavior on the internet, then they have earned some wiggle room. Keep your parental monitoring in step with their behaviors.
Tips for Safe Online Networking for Kids
If you have agreed to let your child onto Facebook or a similar account, follow these tips to help keep them safe.
- 15. Set up your children’s accounts. If you allow your children to have a Facebook or Myspace account, set it up yourself. It is a good way to see how it works and you and your child will both have the password.
16. Do not let your child upload a photo of him or herself onto the internet. Once it is published, a predator can copy it and do anything they like with it.
17. Have your child turn a picture of themselves into a cartoon, stencil, Warhol, or more by using a site like Befunky to use as their profile pic. There is no charge and the picture can be instantly uploaded to a variety of sites.
18. Never give out personal information over a social network. This includes birthday, school, city, and other information that can help a predator track your child down.
19. Watch out for dual accounts. Savvy children may have two social network accounts on Facebook or the like. One for the parents to see and an R rated version.
Tricks Kids Use to Get Around Parents
Kids who want to do an end run around technologically confused parents may try to do the below.
- 20. Be aware of gaming devices. Many gaming systems, such as the Xbox and Playstation have internet capabilities. They are capable of doing everything a regular computer can and must be monitored as well.
21. Watch out for gaming sites. Kids who play games like Halo or Madden can often go online to play with others. Predators know this and use it to meet children. Be sure you know all of your children’s gaming friends before you let them play.
22. Internet phones mean internet. A child who has a phone with internet capabilities can do as much damage on their cell as they can on a computer. Monitor your child’s phone internet activities or get them a phone with no internet.
23. Watch for Wifi. If you have this internet capability in your home, or even your neighbor’s home, your child can connect to the internet wirelessly. A good way to see if you have access to a Wifi network is to grab a mobile internet device and search for one.
24. PIR = Parents in Room. This and tons of other internet terminology can be used by teens to alert their chat mates to change their content. Learn this term and 49 others that parents should know by visiting Netlingo.
25. Texting is the new/old chatting. Even without internet teens and kids can use a mobile phone to send and receive messages and even pictures to whomever they want. Wireless providers will often provide a log of all the texts so that parents can assure safe texting.
26. Sexting. This is when children and teens use their phones to communicate messages of a sex based nature. Even though it is illegal, it is becoming more and more common. Wikipedia has more on its definitions and even landmark cases.
Best Tools for Raising Christian Kids in the Facebook Age
Check out these free monitoring and filtering websites to keep dangers off your computer.
- 27. Kid Shield: Get information on child safety, internet regulation, and more on this site. They also have a section for parental control software with free filterware samples.
28. Free KGB Keylogger: This application captures all typed keystrokes and can also log visited websites and record clipboard contents. It also comes with a master password so that only you can install or uninstall it.
29. LightLogger: Another keylogging software, this one is better suited for younger children. It is also a good option for parents who may find the above software confusing.
Best Software for Raising Christian Kids in the Facebook Age
Parents who are willing to spend as little as $29.95 to $99.95 on computer protection will enjoy the safety and features of these top family monitoring softwares.
- 30. My Mobile Watchdog: For only $9.95 a month, you can monitor all activity on your child’s cellphone and protect them from predators with this easy to use software. Instantly receive alerts when inappropriate content is sent to your child’s phone with this program and you may even be eligible to receive a Blackberry Bold with the software installed.
31. WebWatcher: In addition to many of the features of the below softwares, this product stands out due to its ability to install on one computer and monitor another. It sells for $97.00, has a free demo, and tutorials to show you how to use it. It also has a learning center to help parents find out how safe their children are online.
32. SpectorSoft: Available for Windows and Mac, record everything your computer has done with this $99.95 software. It automatically records screenshots, chat, IM, keystrokes, Myspace, Facebook, searches, and email.
33. Spy Agent: This software provides parenting tools like computer usage time scheduling, activity filtering and scheduling, and behavior reports. Buy for $79.95 or try it out for free.
34. IamBigBrother: At half the price of the others, $29.95, this software is worth a look. It records chats, IM, emails, sites visited, keystrokes, screenshots, and is available for a free trial.
35. PC Tattletale: Try this product free for seven days or purchase for $49.95. It monitors many aspects of internet surfing, has online video tutorials, and even offers tips for parents.
36. Real Time Spy: A keylogging software, it offers the ability to remotely monitor a computer via web browser, without having physical access to the PC. It can even send the logs to any email address you wish and sells for $39.95.
37. Guardian Monitor Family Edition: This software is for use with Windows 98 through XP and costs $39.95. Monitor your child’s internet activities including emails, web sites visited, downloads, keystrokes, chat rooms, instant messages, and more.
Best Christian and Family Safe Search Engines
Because kids need to Google too, check out these safe search engines. They are constantly monitored to ensure kid friendly context.
- 38. Yahoo! Kids: A Yahoo search for kids, there are also many other fun things for kids to do. Kids can safely watch videos, read jokes, send eCards, get homework help, play games, and much more.
39. Kids Click: This web search was created for kids by librarians and is perfect for researching, homework, etc. 600 plus subjects include science, math, arts, computers, and even different religions.
40. Education World: Another search engine, its home page offers tons of help to students and teachers. It has useful articles, lessons, activities, school issues, technology help, and more.
41. Ask Kids: This is the Ask Jeeves Kid’s Edition. Along with searching, kids can get a virtual schoolhouse, movies, games, images, and videos.
42. Ivy’s Search Engine Resources: Try out several search engines for kids on one site by stopping here. You can also get web guides for kids, specialized searches, and links to similar family friendly sites.
Best Websites for Family Friendly Surfing
Parents should visit these sites to learn more about internet safety for kids and even get expert help for any current problems they may be having.
- 43. Cyber Tipline: Visit here to report predators online and have that information sent directly to a local law enforcement agency. You can also get more tips and tools for keeping your child safe.
44. NetSmartz: This site has sections for parents, teens, and kids on how to surf safe. There are a ton of resources on just about every aspect of the computer and kids can even join the Facebook group.
45. NetSmartz 411: Similar to the above, parents and kids can come here to ask experts a question on safe surfing. You can even view the library of answers on Craigslist, cell phones, webcams, and much more.
46. SafeKids: This blog is updated regularly with the latest in internet safety. You can also get a ton of useful entries on many common topics, tools for teens, and even a family contract for online safety.
47. Take 25: This non profit program encourages parents to take time out of each day to help make your children safer. You can get different topics of discussion, activities, find an event in your area, and more.
48. Cyber Angels: A website dedicated to helping families stay safe in cyberspace, they have help for parents, teen angels, and a “just for kids” section. Get useful articles, multimedia tools, and the latest information on social network sites.
49. A Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety: The F.B.I. teaches parents how to keep children safe in this guide. It includes what to do if and when your child makes contact with a predator online.
50. National Sex Offender Registry: Stay a step ahead of predators by finding out the names and locations of registered sex offenders in your area. You can also search by name, create your own safety portal, and get loads more safety tips.
Best Websites to Show Kids and Teens How to Surf Safe
These websites were designed for kids to show them how to stay safe on the computer.
- 51. Web Wise Kids: Computer games, tips, and more show kids how to stay safe on the web. You can also get resources for teens and parents.
52. Think Before You Post: This site has tons of information on what is and isn’t okay to post online. Get tips for chat rooms, IM, email, social networking sites, and more.
53. Kids Health: Dedicated to the safety of children, this site shows kids how to stay safe in a number of situations, including online. There are also similar sites for parents and kids.
54. Protect Kids: Kids and parents will enjoy running the maze while learning how to surf safe. Topics include internet dangers, youth safety rules, empowering parents, and more.
Best Facebook Christian Groups
Use Facebook to meet other Christians in your area or around the globe by checking out these Facebook groups.
- 55. We Can Find 10,000,000 Christians on Facebook: With over 1.5 million members, they just might be able to. They also have a Twitter account so you can learn more about them.
56. One Body of Christ Experiment: Andrew Sears started this group in March 2008 hoping it could connect Christians the same way it had done for consumers. The group is getting closer and closer to achieving one million members.
57. I’m A Christian and Proud to Say It!: The title says it all, and with over 500,000 members, it is worth a look. They even have thought provoking photos and links to related Christian stories.
58. 6 Degrees of Fellowship: Using the Six Degrees of Separation theory, this group believes it is possible to contact every single Christian on Facebook. In addition to joining, you can leave an inspirational message on the wall.
59. Bible Babble: Stop here for many Bible quotes and to connect with other Christians. This group often monitors the contents of their postings to ensure Christian content.
60. 1 Million Mormons on Fb: The purpose of this group is to get as many people associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to join. There are over 160,000 members and over 100 discussion topics.
61. A Que Consigo 1,000,000 de Personas Que Crean en Dios: Also searching for one million people who believe in God, this group is for Spanish speakers. There are over 136,000 members from across the globe and over 300 topics of discussion.
62. Christian Bloggers Network: Sign up and place your name, blog, and address to be added to this group. Non-members can also view and read the blogs of hundreds of others by state or even country.
Best Christian Movie Reviews
Don’t know which movies to let the kids see? Then visit these sites to get the best in reviews and recommendations for Christians.
- 63. Plugged in Online: Get reviews on all sorts of Christian media, including movies. You can even get interviews with such Hollywood names as Jim Caviezel.
64. Christian Spotlight on Entertainment: In addition to movie reviews, the site also checks out television shows and video games. Movie reviews include now playing, just released on video, and even films of interest to kids.
65. Christianity Today Movies: A massive Christian website, this section focuses on movie reviews. Along with what is in theaters now, you can also get a list of their top rated movies, most redeeming of ’08, and even a reader’s choice list.
66. Crosswalk Movies: Another comprehensive Christian website, you can get reviews for the latest and upcoming movies. There are also discussion boards, features, and an entertainment blog.
67. Movie Guide: This guide to family friendly movies has the five star system for current movies available for viewing on its home page. You can also get articles, podcasts, and even video reviews.
Best Christian Movie Sites
When you know which movies to buy or rent, stop by these sites just for Christians who love movies.
- 68. Christian Cinema: A four in one site, you can shop for Christian DVDs, get thousands of movie reviews, read the latest in family entertainment, or even rent Christian movies starting at $7.99 a month. There are even movies for children and teaching.
69. Family Christian Movies: This online store has Christian and family friendly movies for sale on DVD and Blu-ray. Choose from the latest movies to Church history and even movies in Spanish and on Catholic interests.
70. Christian Movies: Stop at this site to view their special offers on Christian films. They even allow customers to review films and post their thoughts.
71. Puritan Picks: A Netflix for Christians, plans start at $4.99 a month. Non-members can even view the selection of videos available for renting.
72. Faith and Family Flix: Similar to the above, this site also lets you rent Christian related movies online. There is even a blog that tells you more about their most popular movies.
Best Christian Book Sites
Get your child or teen off the computer by checking out books written just for them and that can easily be found on one of these top religious book sites.
- 73. Christianbook.com: With their top ten constantly being updated and books up to 90 percent off, this site is definitely worth a visit. You can even get books for kids, teens, and tweens.
74. Family Christian Stores: Mostly books, you can also find movies and music on this site. The kid’s section even has a recommendations for the month, music, and Bibles made just for them.
75. One Spirit: If your child or teen loves to read, consider joining them in this selection of the month book club. You get four low priced books just for joining.
76. Lifeway Christian Stores: With locations across the nation, you can find one in your area or place an order online. The youth section is full of recommendations and they even have a “ready, set, read” activity.
77. Amazon: Not to be outdone, Amazon has its own special page full of books, Bibles, and more for Christians. You can get specialty categories such as Christian romance, award winners, and you can even preview many books before you buy.
Best Christian Music Sites
Got kids and teens who love music with questionable lyrics and messages? Then have them check out these sites for the best in Christian rock, rap, hymnals, and more.
- 78. Christian Rock: An insanely useful site, you can listen to the station live from your computer, get more info on the top songs, get concert information, and much more. They even have a Facebook group.
79. Today’s Christian Music: Another live radio station, this one has talk shows in addition to music. They also have music reviews, family features, morning shows, and more.
80. Hope in Anguish: This radio station provides uplifting Christian music for teens, kids, or anyone in distress. Listen to it live, get Bible verses, be on the air, and much more.
81. Radio Disney: Stop here to listen to this family friendly radio station online. You can also get tons of other resources such as interviews with their leading artists, games, blogs, and even music videos.
82. Jesus Freak Hideout: Get updates on the latest in Christian music by visiting this site. Artists often let visitors download sample songs at no charge and you can get interviews, recommendations, and a blog.
83. Higher Praise: View thousands of videos on praise and worship music on this site. You can even get a complete talking Bible and more on the site.
84. Christian Music: Get information on all genres of Christian music including praise, worship, gospel, and rock. You can even get song samples and resources for local music.
85. 20 The Countdown: The “Billboard” for Christians, learn more about the top 20 Christian songs by stopping here. They also have music videos, exclusive interviews, a future favorites, and more.
Best Parenting Sites for Raising Christian Kids
Because mom and dad need help too, visit these sites for the best in Christian parenting advice.
- 86. Focus on the Family: A leading family website, they have a special section for parents. Get a parenting plan, join the community, or even get an assessment.
87. Christian Parenting: A channel of Crosswalk, the site has many resources for new parents, single parents and even kids and teens. You can also get movie reviews, blogs, and featured products for families.
88. Better Parenting: Part of Family Life, they are a Christian organization helping build better families. Parents can get resources on many topics such as discipline, spiritual development, help with adult children, and loads of tips on marriage.
89. Dr. Phil: With an entire section on parenting and active message boards, this site is worth a visit. Get tons of tips, a discipline questionnaire, and event the five factors for a phenomenal family.
90. Family Parenting: Part of Lifeway, parents of children and teens can get Biblical solutions. Resources include parenting with a purpose, living with teenagers, an educational directory, and more.
91. MomSense: Dads can also take advantage of the parenting resources on this site from Christianity Today. You can get expert advice, tips for culture, family devotionals, and many other similar options.
92. National Center for Biblical Parenting: View the short welcome video to learn more about what they do. You can also sign up for email tips, get help by phone, or learn more about their video series.
Best Facebook Alternatives for Christians
Put away the computer and try one or all of these alternatives to help your family connect with others and each other in real life.
- 93. Christian Volunteering: Have your child or entire family visit this site to locate a volunteering opportunity in your area. There is even a virtual volunteering opportunity that allows you to volunteer from home.
94. Christian Activities: Stop here to get information on Christian related events across the world. View the calendar to see what is coming up, or view by music, family, arts, and more.
95. Christian Guitar Resources: Turn your family into a Christian band with the help of this site. It has free guitar lessons and loads of Christian music to get everyone singing.
96. Creation Museum: Located in Kentucky and over 70,000 feet large, this Christian based museum brings Bible pages to life. Plan your visit, or learn more about their exhibits on the website.
Best Help for Christian Kids and Families
If you are still having trouble with your children or parents, turn to these expert sites to get more information and free, confidential help.
- 97. Teen Hope Line: This is a safe place for teens to come to talk about problems when they are not ready to go their parents. Teens can chat safely with a counselor, join a forum, or get useful resources on their computer.
98. The Hopeline: Similar to the above, parents can come here as well to get help. The 800 number is available 24/7, and you can even schedule a call at your convenience.
99. Boystown: The national hotline is open 24/7 and is for both boys and girls to discuss issues with licensed counselors. There are also useful sections on the site for kids, teens, and parents.
100. Kids Help Phone: The Canadian alternative, it is toll-free, national phone and web counseling, referral and information service for youth. Kids can get more information, and the site is available in French.
If you still need help after reading the 100 tips for raising Christian kids in the Facebook age, be sure and contact your pastor, priest, etc. and don’t be afraid to ask for help from those who are there to provide it.