Wow those are some really great security features for all kids. It even looks easy to do. We'll have to look into that. Good information. Thanks.

Excellent security features! My 8yr old and I also talk about the internet and safety regularly, which I think is very important.

My biggest fear would be a stranger luring my child. My kids are only 4 and 1 right now so I'm not that concerned. I have a fairly big online presence myself though as a large part of my business comes through internet referrals. I post pictures of my kids a lot to which "400 of my closest Facebook friends" can see. I do have some of those set on a limited profile, but I think I need to go through that list again.

Both my girls are into playing games online and since they know my email address, quite often they'll just give it away when sign up for new game, with the security features I will have more control of it. Excellent !

My daughter is only 4 right now but already she likes to play games and I can see her becoming more interested in the computer. I like the games rating and the hours to schedule. I think all of the new tools are excellent!

my daughter is still quite young, but she's already really into the computer -- and my iPhone! I'm afraid of the pedophiles out there who pose as other kids. I like the hours to schedule... then I can monitor it more easily.

Wonderful set of parental controls in windows 7. I especially like the feature where you can limit game time. I haven't had a problem with that but friends of mine had a child totally addicted to games. So those types of controls would definitly help with that.

The best security for kids on the internet is an attentive and alert parent, as well as good communication between parent and child!

don't let your kids go out, for walks or in the park, by themselves. much safer to go with a friend or parent.

Those are great security features! I wonder what the world of Internet will looks like in a few short years when my kids will be navigating it on their own. As parents, we need to stay up-to-date with products and the features they offer so we're not overwhelmed when our kids are old enough to go online themselves.

my young granddaughter already enjoys time on the computer. right now her time is totally supervised, and we hope to continue it that way for years to come. i do believe that we have to be open and honest with our kids....even it it is kinda scary....to warn them of the sick people that are out there that want to hurt them...parents need to know where their kids are in the neighborhood, and the same applies to the internet!!

My kids (8 and 7) have just started playing few games on line. We do not let them use the computer without supervision and we set time limits on their usage. Right now they do not go anywhere on the internet except to the game site. Thanks

Awesome set up! I could really use that puter as my video card is dying a slow painful death lol My way to have internet safety for my child is not to EVER let him have a puter in his room and I have software on it to monitor what he does. Some would say that's an invasion of privacy....I say it's the best way to keep him safe!

My kids are teenagers and they are on all the social media sites so my Husband and I are very aware of the danger's on the internet and discuss frequently with our kid's the procedures to stay safe!

I keep the family computer in the kitchen so I can monitor my teens online. We do not have TV or computers in the bedroom so I can easily keep track on what they are up to. We also have a network setup where they have a time limit of how long they can be online so we make sure they get enough time to do other things. I am a mom of eight kids so it takes a lot of coordinating.

Thanks for the info - its very important!

Absolutely Wonderful!! My 11 year old daughter is at the age where she wants privacy when on the computer and it's nice to know that there are computer products out there that will allow me to give her her "space" and not have as many worries. This doesn't mean I won't be popping in to see what's up...just maybe not as often.....I did say maybe right?

me and the computer is in the kitchen, i can waych whats online and cook too

My son is 7 and I haven't had to deal with internet issues yet. Thanks for giving me some pointers.Tie that in with "the birds and the bees" issue and I'll be all set!

Excellent security features!

My daughter is a teen and has learned a lot about Internet safety. She's even started conversations with me herself about what not to do online etc. She's always asked before signing up for sites and seemed to understand about not giving out personal information until she got on facebook. Then she wanted her real information so friends could find her and I started worrying.

Great security features! Here's another one: put the computer in a room you are in (ex. living room, kitchen).

I've thankfully not reached this point yet, my eldest being on 3.5 years old, but she does go online to the Disney website, although I am with her when she does. This information opens my eyes to the things I wish I didn't need to be nervous of (but of course am!), and it looks like Windows 7 can help put my mind at ease with its greater control and parental settings!! ~phew

The computer is in an area where I can see what they are doing. We've had discussions about privacy on the net, they know not to sign up for anything without checking with me. They have a list of favorite game sites they like to visit and if they hear about a new one, they show it to me before they add it in.

My daughter is 6 and has been active online (gaming and kid-safe sites) for about 2 years. My hubby and I would like to think that we are pretty 'net savy. Been online since 1994! One big thing we decided long ago is to have a family computer room. All our computers (yes 3 -although mine is in serious need of an upgrade!) are side by side. I do not believe in having a computer in her bedroom (nor a tv for that matter). These new features look like they woudl be useful as she gets older though!

My children are still small enough that if I set them up on the computer at a site (say Treehouse) they don't know how to navigate away from it to. However, I keep the laptop on the kitchen table so I can always see/hear what the kids are doing on the computer.

My fear is that I have a 10 year old girl that loves kids virtual word websites. My fear is that a pedophile will sign up on one of these sites and try to lure her in and all the time she is thinking that that person is another 10 year old just like her.

Great question! My fears? Kids can be exposed to inappropriate content so easily! My son wanted to watch the Wiggles on YouTube, and then as he moved from one video to another, he was suddenly listening to a VERY innappropriate rap song dubbed over a Wiggles video. "That's not kid appropriate!" I called as I sprinted over to turn it off.

My tips? In the words of J.K. Rowling, "Constant vigilence!" Even with the best internet security program in the world, a parent should always be watching, tracking, checking up periodically. I don't hover over my son's shoulder, but I do make sure I know what's going on. I'd rather be too safe than not safe enough!

Being that my girls are still only 4 and 6 I know that they are only playing on the little girl websites but my fear is that they maybe be able to inadvertantly click on a banner, or side bar add and be able to get into X-rated websites. As they age I fear.... as many of the other mothers on here, that my children may be lured by someone that does not have goot intentions.

i think it is good for kids to use the internet,you can gain so much knowledge and it is helpful when doing homework.i love the idea of creating their own account because they feel important and even better for parents to be able to set controls to block access to porn and other bad areas on the system so they can not accidently go into them.

Monitor, monitor, monitor, education and trust. Hopefully our kids will make good choices. We can't control all the bad people in this world.

The internet is such a great way to encourage education and knowledge, as well it entertains our children so they don't even realize they are learning. Thes e great features will help us as parents feel more secure allowing our children on the web.

I think the most important thing is to be honest with them about what the dangers are so they can make informed choices. They will come into contact with computers that you don't have control over, so it's best to be up front with them.

In this day and age...improved security features is a must! Surfing, communicating and working online is a daily activity, I can only imagine how many features will be available for the next generation.

Any improvement over Vista would be a giant leap forward and the updated security features and ease of use is a definite plus.

I love the security features! My daughter is too young to use the internet yet but when she does I want to make sure she is safe.

I have kids still too young right now for the Internet, but they are very close and I am scared for them. I am on Facebook and have already witnessed friends kids being bullied, albeit mild. That and child predators scare me the most. It is nice to know Microsoft is taking it seriously. It will never go away but the bigger steps we take to prevent it, the better the chance of protecting our children

You need security features on the computer but you also need to be right there beside them when they are on the net.

I have two girls that have been using the computer for a couple of years. There is a place for computers as long as them are montiored.
I do fear exposure to the outside world that is not for them to see.
They are growing up too fast as it is! Do not like how being on computer also exposes them to stero-types.

My 6 yr old daughter is already computer-~savy~..
I am really impressed with all the updates and features on this computer.
Thses are the times we live in- a very unsafe and unsecure environment..
We have to vigilent with our loved ones-no matter how young or old they are.
We cannot let our guard down.Be watchful and mindful all the time.

My daughter is almost 3 and she loves playing on the computer. It won't be long before she will be "surfing". I'm glad that there are some good parental controls and security to keep her safe.

These are some wonderful security features for all kids. Is user friendly and
would be something I would like to have in the near future. Thanks for sharing this information.

Children and online safety absolutely must go hand in hand in my opinion. One particular concern I have is Facebook as it is just that, an open book for predators. I refuse to allow my children ages 9 and 10 to have Facebook accounts despite the increasing number of children in thier classes at school who frequent that site. I have looked at friends children's accounts, some are very private and do not allow others viewing access, yet some have very illicit photos of young teens wearing skimpy outfits such as revealing dresses, short shorts and inappropriate tops which appauled me. I am in awe of the number of parents that do not have any idea of what thier kids are doing online and this is extremely scary. Parents, keep an eye on your children while they are online, there are predators out there who are very convincing to a young naive mind and I would hate to see any of our kid fall prey to such despicable behavior. I have a parental block on our computer also and am always close by while my kids are online.

The only TRUE Security is Parental Watch, ALWAYS Open conversation(remember when you were young and you thought your parents stupid for not being OPEN,Break that cycle and TALK). Final Limit the use then get outdoors with your kids for REAL fun...

Keeping your children safe is always a concern for parents, but what worries me about the internet is the difficulty in supervising interactions etc. and know who they are interacting with. Friends you can see and meet in real life. I also want to keep my children aware of dangers out there, but I don't want to completely freak them out and make them paranoic either. It's a bit of a balance.

One can set up their routers to block websites as well schedule the internet not to work on specific times of the days as well specific computers.

We keep our computer in a place where it's easy for us to moniter what our teen is up to!

My main concern is safety when my 8 year old is on the computer I constantly tell him not to share any personal information with anyone. He does have facebook but I have that is set up with my e-mail address so any notifications come to my inbox plus I know the password so I do check it a couple times a week.

We have our computer set up in our living room, that way I can monitor the children when they are on the internet. We also have a terrific pop up blocker program. Thanks for all the tips as well!!

I agree. We have four kids so its hard to keep track of what everyone is doing. I try to be supportive and interested in what the kids like so that they will volunteer what they are doing online. Dialogue is key.

I subscribe and I thing the best safety measure is to have the computer in a public area of the house. Also having frank conversation with the kids about the dangers out there is important.

I have a daughter in grade 9 who was not really into the online social sites (Facebook) and instant messaging (MSN) until this year. Before this year she only emailed her friends or spoke by phone so there was never a safety issue. Now that she is more active on the internet we have spoken about the dangers and the computer is in an open area where I can see what she is doing. She has received several requests to be friends on the Facebook site from kids that she does not know and has just ignored them as she doesn't want them privy to her info. I am proud that she does not just want to have as many Facebook friends as she can get, as some kids do. She wants her Facebook friends to be quality not quantity. This helps eliminate - or control - on-line bullying too.

I agree with Mike, I remember thinking, if only I could talk to my parents. My son and daughter are way to young for anything like facebook, but what does the future hold? I think that the internet is a wonderful source of information, but it also has huge downfalls. If we as parents monitor what are children are able to access, then we can help stop some of the predators from getting to our children. We as parents should try to have conversations with our kids about internet safety. Some of the things we should be sure to reinforce are: When sending email or chatting with people, don't tell anyone:

* What your full name is
* Where you live
* What your phone number is
* Where you go to school
and of course the biggest one

Never agree to meet with anyone you've chatted with or sent email to on the Internet.
I always tell my kids that if someone(sometimes they e-mail friends from school) wants to meet with you at the mall or somewhere make sure you tell me and we can go together.
Internet is a great tool, but so is fresh air and exercise!! keep them busy outside

I agree. We have four kids so its hard to always keep track of what everyone is doing. I try to show an interest in what they are interested in so that they volunteer what they are looking at. Once in a while we search the history (they still haven't figured that one out yet!) to make sure there aren't any sites they shouldn't be on.

What great advice. My girls and I talk about this frequently. They're young but it's amazing how much time they spend online at school and at home already. We have programs set up on our computers to keep them safe but more education is always better.

I do not let my family near facebook or twitter
here is why:
"Want to hear some good news? We now know exactly how much your Facebook profile is worth on the open market: Between 25 and 45 cents, depending on whether you have more than 10 friends.The bad news? How we found out. According to Verisign's iDefense, a Russian hacker known as Kirllos is selling 1000 Facebook IDs at a p...op for $25 (if you have 10 friends or less) or $45 (if you're in the 11+ friends crowd)."

What great advice. My girls and I talk about this frequently. They're young but it's amazing how much time they spend online at school and at home already. I always worry about what they might share online without thinking first. We have programs set up on our computers to keep them safe but more education and awareness is always better.

I think my son is too young for the internet at almost four but I here how some schools incorporate use in kindergarten! What a mixed blessing technology is. It is upsetting to me to see kids getting consumed by the computer and video games. there are so many other fun things to do!!!

Aren't computers both wonderful and terrifying at the same time?

I think its so important that kids don't have a computer in their room and that a computer is centrally located where parents are always around.

Always stressing to your kids not to give out any kind of personal info re: age, name, address etc. and if anyone talks to them in a way that "upsets their tummy" in any way, to tell us right away.

For kids on Facebook making sure the privacy settings are on so that they are somewhat protected there as well.

Thanks

Have given my 8yr old some guidelines - activated ad blocker - i keep checking on her every ten minutes.
Am also going to bookmark this page.

we are lucky enough to have an "antique" laptop (yes about 10 years old) that we could reconfigure and create settings for our daughter to only go to sites that have been approved by us.

When the system shuts down, it restores all previous setting so you can't save anything or install any new stuff on it.

This works for now at her age. When she gets older and is ready to explore the world wide web we'll need to do some more educating.

I think it is great that they are coming up with better security features for computers. We need it in this day and age.

I love the security features on the iMAC. I have it set up so that he can only log-in b/t certain times. Times when I am close by. This eliminate my son from accessing the computer when we are out or sleeping.

We have our computer set up in our living room, that way I can monitor. I use a pop up blocker and run antivirus. Lots of really excellent information here. Not long ago we upgraded to XP, not sure I could run 7 on my old PC, will have to check it out for sure.

I love the added parental controls in Windows 7. The internet has so many concerns this will help ease the mind.

Keep all the history of site visit and tell them that it cannot be erased. Periodically check the websites that have been visited in the past and make sure that your kids are staying safe on the internet.

Great Information, In such a new age children are starting out earlier and earlier on the computer and internet. My children are too young to be left unattended at a computer, but the new features are great and very useful in the near future for us!

My kids are still young (4 and 6), but once in a while they click on something like an ad that takes them to another site. We have the computer in the living room so I can monitor them while they're on. I'm definitely concerned about internet safety so this sounds great! Thanks for the giveaway.

I think you really, really need to watch your children when they're online. Our computer is in the living room, and my son does not have any privacy when it comes to the internet. I don't feel like I'm infringing or anything; he's a kid, and doesn't need privacy online.

I have the computer in my living room as well - My other computer has no internet access so I let my oldest daughter who's almost 17 use it as a type writer essentially. I believe we can't escape the impending technology nor our children's needs to use it, it is now apart of our society - socially and in the school/workforce. So to have more protection and to have something be extra eyes for a word that already can be so crazy with danger I love the idea added parental controls. I think communication with our kids of course is key( beyond sending a text lol) , so i think computers can bring families together like a library or watching a movie or video , it just all depends on your mood.

What great security features. I have four small children....three of whom are TRIPLETS and the best security for them is having attentive and alert parents, as well as good communication between us all! To think where we are with the internet these days and where it will be in five years is scary. We try not to let our children become consumed by the internet and want them to be kids the way we were years ago without all the technology taking over.

My daughter is 15, 16 this August. She has a Facebook page, msn, etc, etc. I have passwords to everything.

When my daughter became old enough to use the computer by herself, I explained the rules clearly to her about what I expect from her, and also how dangerous the internet can be.

I am proud to say that the lessons I have taught her in regards to computer usage have been heeded.

I can't always be there to watch what the kids are doing so I am glad we have internet security

I have two daughters, ages 6 and 3. Our 6 year old is really starting to get into computer and playing "her" games online(i.e. Bella Sara, LPSO...). Right now it is still very easy to watch her as she is only allowed to use the laptop at the kitchen table where I can easily watch her, but she has already started asking for her own computer. We have already started educating her in regards to internet safety and limiting her time on the computer, but in a few years when she gets her own computer, I will not hesitate to install some monitoring software, like Spector Pro, just to ensure everything she is doing is safe.

I have 3 kids ranging from 6 to 14 and they all share 1 computer and I worry about the 6yr old trying his older brothers games which are not appropriate. Windows 7 would really allow some flexibility with all 3 kids instead of the current all or nothing.

My 8yr old has his own browser. I would be terrified if he used a regular browser on what would pop up. I too tell my son If I do not know the person he is talking to online he is not to talk to them. I Monitor him too. You cant be safe enough. I was stupid about internet safety, I talked to anyone and gave out info but this was years ago before all the scary online stuff started.

My children are not allowed to enter any contests without my permission and thorough investigation online. I trust YTV, Teletoon, Family.ca websites for them to play on. They know I would ban them from the computer if I ever caught them on a Facebook site. There are just too many dangers to worry about. We have rules about which sites they can explore.

our computer is in the kitchen so it's easier to monitor. It's a great resource especially for my child with special needs but that also makes him more vulnerable so security issues become even more important.Thanks for all the ideas.

Excellent security features! My daughter is almost 6 and loves to go on the internet with supervision of course... As she grows up she will want more freedom and better security for her online is a must.

Thanks.

My daughter never puts her name on anything in the computer world and if she needs to she always tells me and we use mine. However, it is not to say that children do not need a refresher course on how to use the computer and what not to do. Internet safety is just as important as street safety and more so since a lot of things happen "behind closed doors".

Security is so important to protecting our young ones. I've seen first hand what can happen when my step daughters weren't regulated or supervised in a proper manner. It's devastating to their emotional well being and security/personal safety. Kids these days communicate online and are willing to post everything including incriminating photos and words. Education is key to keeping our young ones safe!

It's a scary world out there - especially when they become young teens. My son is 12 and all his friends chat on facebook everynight. I think he is careful about who he accepts as friends and refuses them if he doesn't know them - BUT my neice who is 13 has almost a 1000 friends whom she obviously doesn't know which is really scary I feel. I insist on the computer being in the family room so we can watch what they are up to. It's ok now whilst he doesn't mind me knowing his passwords but I am sure that will soon change and control will be alot harder. And with IPOD who knows what they are up to when you aren't around

Amazing!I love it. I use it home.Great for my kids too!

The best security online is having the computer in a public part of your home. I have also told my kids if something pops up on the screen that you are unsure of turn of the monitor or walk away and call an adult.

I often worry about what my kids are doing online when
I am no around. It's hard to have all the bases covered
in this situation. There a continually new ways and sites
that promote things I don't want my kids exposed to.

Those are great security features! You definitely need this on the computer, especially nowadays...keep safe everyone!

A great site for younger kids is www.totlol.com. all videos are suitable. Both of our toddlers run this site by themselves!!

Our toddlers were watching cartoon videos with fighting and quickly developed similar habits. We talked to them about it a few times and they know they aren't supposed to watch. They still need monitoring, but at least they know why there are certain sites that are off limits.

I worry about photos being taken on cell phones by friends and shared online

This is great since you can't be watching your children at all times. Hopefully your kids aren't computer savvy and can hack the program. With the way some kids I know are with computers it would concern me. BUT for the younger and uninformed ones this is a great tool to protect your kids.

I have 6 kids ranging from unborn to teenager, and from the 18 month old up - they are all on the internet from time to time. With such a huge age range, I have varied concerns, from stranger danger to porn. I love having security features built into my computer or my network, like with Windows 7 and Telus wireless. I have taught all my kids from the beginning to never use their 'real' information online. They all have internet 'handles' and specific email/home addresses to use to make accounts. I felt a bit bad at first, like I was teaching them to lie, but they all get it and realize that the fake names and addresses are for their protection.

I fear kids on the internet will be contacted by pedophiles. You hear this every day. They will use a different identity and kids will believe them.

My fear, too, is that pedophiles will contact my kids on the internet. I have a very open relationship with my children, however, I am not with them all the time when they are on computer so this is always my worry. I also tell my kids never to use their real names and address. Having security features built into my computer is of great help.

My biggest fear was stalking and luring by pedophiles, but more and more, I'm hearing about cyber-bullying from the medai, which is likely a more prevalent occurance on the internet.

Luckily, my kids are too still young to use a computer, but the fear is still one of the things in the back of my mind.

I fear the pedophiles that lurk all the sites used by kids. Because of this our kids will never have a computer that is hooked up to the internet in their room. We have a family computer that is very visible and the kids have time limits.

My fear is a world filled Chat Roulette tyoe sites where there's no filters at all.
Everytime we get a handle on technology the kids are one step ahead.
I am lucky that my kids are only 4 & 1 1/2 yrs BUT I fear how far it will be by the time they are teens!

My son is 4 years old and will be starting Kindergarten in the fall. He will be introduced to computers and I will need to be ready to protect him as he starts to explore the cyber world. I will definitely be putting some security measures in place on our computer and will be keeping a watchful eye on him in our living room whenever he's using it.

I make sure that the Internet Security and computer security are enabled, and use filters. Since most everyone is on Facebook (including my kids), I make sure that I regularly check the Facebook site to keep updated on their friends.

I fear pedophiles on sites used by kids. Computers should be visible and the kids sbould have time limits.

The internet safety securities for kids and parental controls are really great! Monitoring your kids is still the best security.

It's very important for parents to communicate with their children about the internet and how to protect oneself (i.e. not giving out personal/identifying information). Computers should also have parental settings and be in a common area/room - like the livingroom. Children do not need computers in their bedroom, no matter how old they are.

(I don't think my previous comment showed?)

- Inform kids about how to protect themselves (not sharing identifying information)
- Parental Controls
- Supervision - computers in public areas. No child needs a computer in their rom.

Internet safety is of vital importance these days, and the more education & tools that are available the better!

It is important to teach my children about internet safety and how to protect themselves eg not to release real information and identity.

Always worried about my son when he was on the internet, at that time there was very little security. Now it is so much easier to keep track of what they are doing. Well written article, window 7 offers some good features using parental controls..over content each child is allowed to use. Did not have Winows 7 when my son was a teen or would defineatly have used it.

My son is 12 and goes on the internet to update his iPod and listen to music. He also plays games which he downloads from Game sites. I check on him occasionally, and it seems to be safe for the moment.

I REALLY,REALLY, REALLY love the idea of this product that windows now has. I have two small kids the ages of 7 & 8. Their computer access is always supervised. But I have a daughter that is turning 13 soon and I know that she would love a little bit of privacy right now. I check everything that she goes on. Her emails , her facebook, everything. I know this sounds like I'm invading her privacy but I just can't shake the feeling of needing to protect her. AND it's a good thing that I do because we are right now in the process of dealing with just this problem. She told me a few days ago someone tried to contact her via facebook ( she knows not to accept from people she doesn't know) about becoming friends. He was a 21 year old man from a different country. She saved it to show me. I then proceded to contact him to see what his problem was and his intentions were. Upon further investigating he had many young people on his list. He became very mean and defensive about why he was trying to contact my 12 year old daughter.He believed he was still talking to her. I then blocked him from contacting her again. Hopefully this was the end of that. I am so proud of my girl for being smart enough to tell me about him. I just wish it could be easier protect them from things like this. My daughter just started junior high and she does alot of work on the computer. This new computer that windows 7 has would give her some of the privacy that she needs and deserves.

This is awesome tips about internet safety and our kids ..i supervised my kids ..make sure their not going to sites that i don't want them on ..facebook right now is a no ..no ..don't like the ideas of u tube either ..to much on that site to please me ..this would be and awesome computer to have . we would finally be at easy with this new computer that has windows 7 .then our kids would have some privacy that they need .

This information is very useful. It is sad that we have to go to such extremes to protect kids from dangers on the internet. But better safe than sorry.

I'm really glad I watched this video-it really opened my eyes as to the dangers out there.

I'm always careful about which sites I allow my kids to use, and keep my parent control settings on high.

attentive and alert parent, careful what sites they are on, this has very good information very interesting
Thank you

After setting parental controls on my 12 year old son's computer, limiting his access to adult oriented sites, he was very upset with me. Many of the sites he likes to view were blocked. I would add the site, as needed & approved by me. One day he searched how to get around parental controls and admitted one day he could use a proxy site to access blocked sites. He demonstrated this for me...Very scary. I had no idea that this was even a possibility. Other parent's comments about the kids staying ahead of the parents is so true.

I do have my email account set up for sites my son makes comments on (YouTube...). I get automatic notification when people reply to my son's comments. You'd be surprised at the abusive comments some people leave for a 12 year old putting his thoughts out there for others to see.

Windows 7 sure has a lot of (gee I wish that I had thought of that) excellent parental control security features/settings for browsing the web. Right now my grand-daughter only plays games on-line while I am in or very near (she doesn't know that I am watching ) the same room, and only for short periods of time.

When 11 and 12 year olds get on social networking sites because all their friends have 'facebook', it needs to be monitored carefully. They are not fully aware of privacy settings and often post inappropriate comments or pictures. Parents need to be vigilant about their preteens and even teenagers' activities on such sites as these sites can be used for preying on vulnerable youngsters and for bullying and intimidating peers.

well ive read all these comments and i have to say they all are very good points. we need to keep our kids safe from the internet as there is always some creep who is lurking trying to get your kids info or trying to get them to meet them somewhere. we need to help keep our kids safe by blocking certain sites or watching them close to make sure they dont give out any important info. i feel a kid with facebook is wrong until they reach the age of 14 i have three girls and would not let them have a facebook until they reached that age. i also have all passwords to their hotmail account msn account and their facebook account i also put their email on facebook to a email i can track cuz i want my kids safe and my girls are 16 14.5 and 13. some parents dont really have the smarts other parents have and then wonder what happened when something happens to their kids. we all need to be aware of what our children are doing and keep them safe

I have a young son who has been using the internet to learn and play games since he was 3.. sites like starfall are amazing for young learners. I've always personally supervised him using the computer as I have not figured out using the existing parental controls on the computer.
I understand about how dangerous the internet can be and that we should ensure adequate protection to children who are most vulnerable. Windows 7 makes setting up parental controls and limits extremely easy and I would love to be able to make use of it. It would be built in and my son who is now almost 6 would learn that throwing a tantrum when his computer time is over wont do him any good. The limits it can set are absolutely fantastic.
This is something I would love to win and be able to put to good use.

I know internet safety will be a huge issue, especially as my 2 and 4 year old get bigger and more computer literate. We plan on keeping the computer in a public area, just as an added precaution. The internet can be a terrific tool, but we all have to be aware of what our kids are spending their time doing.

Good Morning and great article about internet safety after watching Dr. Phil yesterday talking about sexual predators, my daughther 19 years was very interested in the whole show. I always have talked to her about internet safety and a few years ago, got her a laptop, which I told her again about internet safety. Then came the facebook phase, and seeing so many of her friends she had, wondering if she knew them all, and seeing in her profile, more information that should be shown, so she edited it and still she goes on sites that I am unsure of but once a week we go over the sites she has been searching and then we discuss them. So many stories about how youngins get lured by a nice profile of others and engage in conversation and believing how nice this person is, without knowing nothing about them. Thank god i watch her every move without he actually knowing she doesnt go out to meet any of these "so-called" new friends she met online. Parents, be tough, they wont like it, but u are protecting precious cargo.

barbara from Cambridge, Ontario

I have placed our main computer in the livingroom so we are aware of what sites the kids are on, mostly ruinscape and I go on their facebook account and look at what activity is laid out. I have busted my nephew in California many times for telling his Mom(sister) what they are up to. Even though they are adults they just seem to ltell all, even their home address for a get together. My sister has to call him and comment on taking precautions. This reality, no holds barr, mail is making our kids oblivious. I am probably referred as "tattletale Auntie" but I hope it makes a difference.

We're such a connected society now that even more vigilance on security is important - especially when kids have that 'nothing can touch me' attitude.

Regular chats about internet dangers are a must at my house!!

You know... yes this stuff scares me. But I am often surprised by the savvy the "kids" have.

If my son (now 16) found someone he did not know trying to follow him he would just say:

"Hmm... who the "heck" are you? I don't think so buddy... block."

Yes we have to monitor but I think it is actually more important to be open about stuff and to have the discussions and keep them informed about what's going on out there. He leaves for university in another 15 months. I'll have no option to protect him once he is there.

And yes... college kids still get into trouble. One of the young students giving us a tour this spring got wrapped up in a scam and sent her computer to someone in Nigeria for heavens sake. She never got paid... surprise! At least she learned a valuable lesson.

Personally I also have concerns about logging too much time on her computer. She is 7. Knowing usage/active time per week would be valuable.

The security features mentioned are certainly useful and helpful in protecting our kids but the BEST protection comes when you yourself are informed and talking, on a regular basis, WITH your kids about the dangers that lurk on the internet and the importance of not giving information about themselves too freely.

There is a lot of dangerous information on the internet to which parents need to always be aware of. Parents need to have full control and to monitor their children's usage every minute. Always set up the parental security settings!

I'm glad that the parental features got updated on this version of windows. My little sister keeps on signing up for junk.

i am afraid of internet luring and kids

I like the parental controls update! However, you can't just rely on that. Parents need to ensure they monitor their child's internet usage. Some tips:
- keep the computer in a common place (mine is in the living room) so that you can keep an eye out
- if they are on facebook; I insist they do not enter any personal information. We have had discussions on appropriate usage of 'chat' and posting comments. No personal information and no pictures

I have a toddler that is getting the hang of computer basics (I can't believe it!) so I know in a couple more years he will well versed. I grew up in a small town & in an age where extracurricular activities are important to our well being & our development. I still think it is important because I see many kids growing up with these tech gadgets & their social skills aren't very good. Interaction with people in person is so vital that I know I will be setting major boundaries with my child. I have the rule of eating together at meals so that we can talk, getting out to do extracurricular activites to interact with other human beings & to take vacations to explore this beautiful world to see that it is possible to live without technology, although, in this day & age it is a necessity. I think there needs to be the right balance.
-mcorpuz

there's way too much for the kids to see on the internet that is inappropriate

I think it does not matter what age you or your chld is reminders and information about security and safety while using the internet are excellent and important to review and talk about.

I see kids all the time posting their cell phone numbers on their facebook wall. My niece had done it a few times too! I dedicated a blog post just to her about it. She took me off her friend's list the day she read it (LOL). The scary part was she didn't have her privacy settings done correctly, and after I was taken off her list I could still access her info and see her cell number on her wall. She is only 13!! Parents definitely need to take some control over how their kids are using the internet, even if it makes their child angry! I would rather my daughter be mad then missing!!

Since her mother knew her password and while my niece was at school I helped her change all of her privacy settings so strangers couldn't see her info. It still is scary because who knows who her "friends" are on her list!

Some teens just think they live in this "happily ever after bubble", parents need to remind them that BAD THINGS can and DO happen, EVERYDAY, and they can happen to their kids.

Interesting information that isn't just for kids - adults need to be aware of this, too!

I learned that it's important to know what your children are up to when they are using the internet.

Internet Safety & Your Kids is a major problem now a days. They are expose to predator, pedophile. That is very scary. We need to educate our children about using the internet and especially facebooks and similar websites safely. They need to keep their private info private and not be lure by some stranger. We can only block so much so constant vigilance is the key.

My fear is the social websites. The kids seem to post too much information. I fear someone with bad intentions obtaining information con or hurt the kids

rhondastruthers atyahoo dot ca

Technology goes hand in hand with verbal communication and setting boundaries.

great security tips! My best advise is always supervise no matter how much they feel their privacy is being invaded by it. safe is always better than sorry

This was very helpful because the kids are 6 and 7 now so the older one has already started asking to use the computer. Right now i am still supervising and watching what she is doing as she doesn't fully know how to use it.

My biggest fear is cyber bullying from classmates on facebook or some sort of sites. It happens more and more nowadays sadly.

I make sure that the Internet Security and computer security are enabled, and use filters. Since most everyone is on Facebook (including my kids), I make sure that I regularly check the Facebook site to keep updated on their friends.

Keeping the computer in a highly visible location in the house. Less temptation of going where one shouldn't.

We don't have wirelss in the house and have the internet outlet in the family room. Therefore whatever your doing is within earshot and sight of the family. I also reduce computer usage by only having one oulet (no hub or wireless), so people have to take turns.

Trust, openess and honesty. Teach it long before comp usage. Technology is changing way to fast to stay up on everything.

there are amazing products out there to help you set parental controls. use them, and keep the computer in a common place.

Wow...some great tools. We always have our computer out in the open

my children know that once something is posted on the internet, (blog, facebook, etc), it is no longer under their control. I have advised them to be very careful about personal comments, photos, and any information that they post online.

It's scary how much nasty stuff is just one click away. I'm pretty careful about what I click on and even so I end up with some pop-ups and links that I consider not even 'safe' for me! There is crazy stuff online! Parental controls are definitely a necessity!

We ( my husband and I) use parental controls on the computer, and only have our computers in an open area where they are visible. We also talk to our kids about what sites they are able to access, and what information they are allowed to give out. We also explain to them that anything they send online is like sending a postcard, anyone can read it. We also teach them not to befriend anyone online that they physically have not met in person, as just because someone claims to be something ( a certain age, or sex) doesn't mean that they are being truthful. We also encourage open dialogue with our kids about anything they would like to talk about, whether or not it is a comfortable topic for us to discuss.

The security features sound great!

I feel it's better to install trust, openness end education early on than using controls and software. The challenge is you can't always be around your kids and they grow up, so if you spend some time early one with them showing what's right and wrong and what's safe/not safe then their morals and good judgment will do the rest later in life.

Make sure your computer is password protected so you know when your kids are logging on and have the computer in a main area of your home (i.e. the kitchen).

Education, education and education. The better prepared our children are for what may come at them and how to handle those situations the better. You can't control what happens when they leave the house and go friends places/library, etc.

Love the security features...but we must educate our children as well.

Just as with anything else, we must continually teach our children the difference between right and wrong on the internet. Parental controls are very important, but equally as important is that our kids learn self-control, so that if the opportunity ever arises where they end up with access to unsavoury material, they know to not follow it. Supervision is also important. I hate to leave it all to the technology police :), because you can never trust anything 100%.

I think the best way to make sure your children are safe when they are using the computer is if the computer is in the dining area or area that the whole family uses all the time so that you can monitor what your children are doing and what sites they are visiting and generally what they are doing. I don't think its a good idea to let your child have a computer in their bedroom as they are isolated and you cannot monitor what they are doing.

I check up and follow up on everything my step daughter does on the internet, there are just way too many horror stories to risk it. With her consent I check email/facebook messages and sit down to discuss the dangers of meeting strangers off the net. I don't allow late night usage either!

The iPad is a nice device with a touch screen. Nobody offer this by netbooks or notebooks. I think this will come in the future and so the iPad is the only product that you can use to work with a touch screen.

The best parental control is communication. Make your child aware of what is appropriate information to give out-and repeat it often. If your computer is in a central location, it is far easier to keep an eye on activities.

my boys just turned 4 & 1 so we haven't had to deal with this yet, but I'm sure we will in the very near future. It scares me, but when the time comes, I will be prepared to address the issues with them.

If your kids are using the internet it's never too young to begin educating them about the dangers out there. Be well informed yourself and TALK TO YOUR KIDS OFTEN!

I make sure that the Internet Security and computer security are enabled, and use filters. Since most everyone is on Facebook (including my kids), I make sure that I regularly check the Facebook site to keep updated on their friends.

Keep the computer in a visible location and communication and education about the risks involved.

My kids are still young but have a great interest in computers, especially going on Webkinz World! My hubby installed a program like a watchdog, and it "barks" everytime they try to go somewhere other than their usual sites. It's a great tool!

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