subject: Computer Spyware May Be Used For Surveillance [print this page] An internet usage policy is commonly seen in most companies. Most companies know it is ineffective to focus on employee control alone. But surveillance is there to protect both the company and its employees in order to deter theft of valuable items like computers and servers. These policies do not intend to create a difficult situation for employees or to ensure they live out difficulties. They are not implemented so employees feel like a higher power is watching their every move or take away their freedoms.
In the same way that a company needs to have an internet usage policy, individual homes need to have their own policies in place. Everybody should have some sort of protective firewall around their personal computer and should have some basic guidelines for that computers use. If you have children, you probably already have a computer privilege policy in place. It may not be that formal, but the underage users should know what they are allowed and not allowed to do on the computer.
It could be as simple as not being allowed to use the computer online without an adult in the room for younger children. But for middle and high school aged kids, it's a little more difficult to be right on top of them at every moment. There is a certain amount of freedom and responsibility that comes along with getting older and at some point you have to trust them to make good decisions.
We all remember when we were taught not to talk to strangers and to never go with someone you do not know never mind getting into a car with a stranger. Even though we teach our children these lessons we know there are more situations to concern ourselves with when it comes to strangers. Strangers are also online and they wait to meet new people in order to con people into whatever they are after.
When it comes to social networking, children, parents and teachers should be able to communicate more openly about what is out there. This is the information age and the biggest threat is information theft. This is the main reason why children should how their personal or valuable information could be exploited while they are on the internet. In the end, they should only contact those they know or those they know are familiar with. What you do and what you teach them to do in this scenario is so important and if you teach them well, they will hopefully make good decisions.
