Question about creating a website ...

[Mara]

I'm not too sure if this is the right place so I'm sorry if it needs to be moved elsewhere.

 

Apparently there are places which allow one to set up their own website (free) - but how safe is it for children to do this, I wonder? And how safe is it for my computer?

 

Thanks so much,

Mara

 

Although I'm not sure, I think it's this site the child is interested in using: InvisionFree (Free message board hosting)

Edited November 14, 2008 by Mara

[RandyL]

I gave the site a quick look and read a few reviews. It seems to be a basic message board (forum) they are offering. With ads of course.

 

It's all done online so it won't hurt your computer

 

Is it safe for children? As safe or dangerous as everything on the internet. What you have to remember is that like any forum or board people can post just about anything. That's why we constantly monitor our site. Sure you can set up permissions to a point but if you don't allow posts what's the point. Attachments, links etc etc can make a site but just like posts everything has to watched.

 

Just like with social sites never give out personal information. You know that well. And following links or opening attachments is just like email. Use good judgement and have proper security on your computer.

 

The site itself is safe enough but pretty basic. It likely won't get much traffic but if it's just for friends or fun the standard use good judgement on the internet rules would still apply.

 

Did I leave anything out mara?

[Guest Wolfeymole]

A bulletin board is a lot different from having just a bog standard web site Mara.

 

Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help is a bulletin board so you have to ask yourself is this what they really want as they take a lot of thinking about and planning out.

 

Or would they prefer something along the lines of what Ony (Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help Member) has;

 

ONY-ME

 

Quite zany but at least she made it herself.

 

 

If you want to set a site up from scratch then have a look here Mara, the possibilities are endless.

 

Build a Free Website

[Tootech]

Or here - it's one I've seen that my family use....

 

Webs.com - Free website, free hosting, free webpage - Make a web site with photo albums, blogs, videos, forums and more!

[RandyL]

That looks pretty good for a youngster. Simple. But as always watch the settings. Good link.

[Mara]

Lots of choices here and thanks ever so much. I'll look through each and hopefuly choose (together with the 11 year old) the easiest and safest method for him to set up something. (It's for him and his 'friends' to discuss the 'Bakugon' toys).

 

Thanks ever so much to all of you once again! :)

[ONY]

Hiya Mara,

my site that Wolfey gave the link to is ideal for kids. You can alter the settings to suit your needs, add as many pages as you like, the site has its own option of things like graphics, chat, add music or videos, etc.....there's loads it offers free or you can upload/use your own choice of stuff like i did.

It's also very easy to use but it's also very safe. The website is a PICZO site. Good luck whatever you decide though, lots of choice out there. :D

[Mara]

Thanks again for all the advice - it means a great deal to me as it's hard to be torn between protecting a child and letting him flap his wee wings (he's 11).

 

Have learned that one must be incredibly specific when telling a child what they can and cannot do on the internet, though ... you think you've covered all the bases and poof, they come up with a new thing that can place them in danger. Think I'm about to sprout those long overdue gray hairs! :)

[iwillbekingin2030]

list of sites.

 

:pfreewebs.com (50mb) i have used and loved...by far the free website standard for basic site creation.

free-space.net (200mb) i was rejected upon application

wetpaint (it's a wikisite) haven't tried

geocities (i think it's like 15 mb) haven't tried