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Warning your child not to talk or accept sweets from strangers is no longer enough. Your child can make friends with people from the 'global online community' in an instant
So how do you know who they are talking to and how do you monitor and keep a watchful eye on their activity? How do you keep them safe from inappropriate situations that can intimidate, terrify and overwhelm them?
The internet is a valuable, exciting resource for children and adults alike but there are potential dangers associated with its use, especially for children and teens.
Our generation may not have grown up with instant chat rooms and social networking forums but its time to get savvy and provide some proper supervision as it can be a dangerous place to play.
But don't panic, there are a number of simple measures you can follow to help ensure your child's safety online.
Internet 'dos' for parents
Do: Talk to your child about how they use the internet and their favourite sites. Encourage them to show you how they access the net and to talk to you about any concerns they may have regarding online chatting. Show an interest rather than showing any distrust. Your child will feel reassured and safe if you show a balance of respecting their way of communicating while keeping a watchful eye on what's happening.
Do: Keep the computer in an open place in your home so that your child's internet use is an open experience.
Do: Keep up to date with the new technology. Ask your children to teach you new things. They'll enjoy spending time with you and you'll enjoy being with them.
Do: Refer to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre's thinkuknow website if you are worried about who your child is chatting to online.
Do: Remind your children that any people they only know through the internet (and not in the real world) may not be who they say they are.
Do: Check and set the privacy settings covering their profiles online.
Do: Make it clear to them that you will occasionally check what sites they are using and will also sometimes ask questions to make sure they know the friends they are messaging.
Do: Remind your children that anything they post is likely to be visible to the world.
Do: Choose a nickname with your child just to use online.
Internet 'don'ts'
Don't: Let them post any personal information (such as an email address or mobile number) on their profile. Tell your child not to post anything online that they wouldn't want the world to see.
Don't: Let them continue online conversations if they are uncomfortable or suspicious about who they are talking to. Report these to the Child Protection Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) website via their 'report abuse' facility.
Don't: Allow your child to meet anyone they only know via the internet.
Don't: Let your child open any attachments or links if you don't know the person (in the real world) who has sent them.
Don't: Let your child accept 'friend' requests from any strangers who contact their online profile.
Sue Atkins is a former Deputy Head with 22 years teaching experience and is now a Parent Coach. She has written many books on self esteem, toddlers and teenagers. She is author of Raising Happy Children for Dummies. For more information go to the Positive Parents website.
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