Now how to keep your children safe on the Internet

Do you know what precautions as a parent you need to take to keep your kids safe while they are ever so vulnerable online? Do you know how many predators are out there seeking to destroy a young person's life? Having a high-speed Internet connection is a wonderful tool but you have to be aware of the dangers that lurk on the Web so you and your family can be safe.

Below are some tips to help you keep your children safe while they are online.

• Talk to Your Kids — Have a general online safety conversation with your children to explain what they should be leery of and let them know you are always there in case they get into trouble.


• Monitoring Computer Use — Monitor what your child does on the computer and don't just turn a blind eye.


• Monitoring Softeware — Install or see if your high-speed Internet company offers monitoring software that will allow you to see what your child is looking at on the net and will permit you to block certain content.


• Family Room Computer — Don't let your child have a computer in their bedroom. Instead have the computer in a family room where you can supervise their online usage.


• Child's Behavior — Watch for signs that your child is acting differently as they could be being bullied or stalked while online.


• Anti-Virus Software — Install anti-virus software on all home computers to keep hackers at bay.

How does your inner Santa purchase holiday gifts? Do you brave the crowded malls where shopping becomes a contact sport? Do you forgo the hassle and choose the convenience of shopping online using your high-speed Internet connection?

One of the leading consumer research companies, comScore, Inc., reports that online shopping from November 1 to December 16 has gone up by 19 percent compared to the same shopping days last year.

comScore research does show a choppy trend in online shopping with the heaviest being at the beginning and of the week. They aren't sure if the number will rise as some folks might be waiting for last minute bargains to complete their holiday spending, or if consumers are just not spending that much this season.

For now, it seems like consumers are choosing more and more to shop from the comfort of their home than to head out to the retail shops.

To read the study from comScore, see their press release.