No more excuses — parental control software helps parents supervise their children's computer usage, even when the parents are away from the computer, and the software is becoming simpler to use, according to TheOnlineMom.com.

Nearly everyone knows of a friend or neighbor's child that stumbled across an inappropriate website or accidentally deleted important files. How can you make sure this doesn't happen in your house? It's easy... and getting easier, according to TheOnlineMom.com. And it's even more important in this post-holiday season with new laptops and desktops received as gifts. Use this primer to learn about parental controls.

What are parental controls?
Parental control software allows parents to:

• Manage time spent on the Internet or on the computer
• Limit what their children are allowed to see and read online
• Select which computer programs children can use
• Monitor and log all Internet activity

Managing computer time
For all children, managing time spent at the computer is as important as monitoring the amount of time spent watching TV. Like the TV, computer use should not be an automatic right; rather it should be a privilege earned by good behavior and respect for the rules of engagement.

Most parental control software allows scheduling of times when the computer, and by extension the Internet, is and isn't available to your children.

Filters and blocking software
When it comes to controlling what children are allowed to see and read, most security suites will typically offer to block websites matching specific categories such as pornography, violence, drugs, or chat. Some blocking software will refer to its own database of matching sites, which is constantly updated for new additions, and others will analyze page content in much the same way that search engines do.

Protect files and turn off applications
All parental control software programs will also allow parents to "turn off" applications that are normally available to older users. Typically these would be e-mail services but could also include financial applications, games, movies, or other entertainment programs available off the desktop or elsewhere.

To spy or not too spy?
Finally, there is the "spyware" side of parental controls. This can be a useful tool if you want to monitor how adventurous your children might be getting with their Internet searches. Typically, these monitoring features will log every attempt to visit a banned website or simply record every website visited, good or bad. They can even send notifications real-time, so you can be at work and see which sites your children are attempting to visit.

This abridged article is reproduced from a two-part series on parental controls originally published on TheOnlineMom.com, a website offering tech information and advice to parents. Both articles can be found in full at TheOnlineMom.com.

The value of kids' use of online social networks can be debated, but what is indisputable is that kids are using them to socialize and form relationships. Authors Charlene C. Giannetti and Margaret Sagarese offer these tips for encouraging openness and proper use of technology:

• Consider your child's age when buying a device. Does a 10-year-old really need a camera phone? Can you be sure your 11-year-old won't misuse that camcorder? If you decide to go ahead and buy, remember that these devices don't come with proper-use manuals. That message must come from you.
• Focus on the behavior, not the technology. The technology may have changed, but kindness and decency should still be at the top of everyone's list. If your son is going to break up with a girl, he shouldn't send her an e-mail to do so.
• Talk about public versus private. A young girl may think it's okay to pour out her innermost thoughts on a public website. Point out how that information may be used against her to fuel rumors.
• Learn how your child is furthering romance on the Internet. Mention this article; then ask, "How are kids in your school using the Internet?"
• Talk about romance and relationships. Kids may have a lot to teach parents about new technology, but parents have more to teach their children about relationships and romance — on and off the electronic highway. If parents neglect to talk about the excitement and beauty of love, adolescents will get that information from peers, the media, and, yes, the Internet.

For the full article, go to the Child Safety section of PTA.org.

The truth about methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) may surprise you, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). MRSA is a type of staph bacteria that causes skin and other kinds of infections. Sometimes called “the superbug,” MRSA is resistant to certain antibiotics, but several antibiotics still work. And many times, antibiotics aren’t even needed—doctors are often able to treat MRSA skin infections by simply draining them. Because skin infections caused by MRSA are increasing, the CDC launched a new campaign to educate families about MRSA and provide a four-step process for helping prevent infections.

Although most of these skin infections are mild, some infections may become life-threatening. According to the CDC, there are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from MRSA skin infections.

Step 1: Know the signs and symptoms of MRSA and get treatment early
A staph skin infection, including one caused by MRSA, usually appears as a bump or infected area on the skin that may be red, swollen, painful, warm to the touch, or full of pus or other drainage. It is especially important to contact your health care provider if these signs and symptoms are accompanied by a fever.

Step 2: Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered
Keeping cuts and scrapes covered will help prevent spreading bacteria to others. If you think the area is infected, contact your healthcare provider and follow his or her instructions about proper care of the infection. Be sure to discard used bandages in the trash.

Step 3: Encourage good hygiene such as cleaning hands regularly
Bacteria and other germs are often spread from person to person by direct contact—mostly by our hands. Clean your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub, especially after changing a bandage or touching infected skin.

Step 4: Discourage sharing of personal items such as towels and razors
Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, washcloths, razors, or clothing that may have had contact with infected skin or soiled bandages. Wash sheets, towels, and clothes with water and laundry detergent. Water temperatures for household laundry depend on the type of fiber or fabric of the clothing. In general, wash and dry in the warmest temperatures recommended on the clothing label. Use a clothes dryer to dry clothes completely.

For more information on MRSA, please visit cdc.gov/MRSA.