Installing parental controls on your computer is very simple and your internet provider can walk you through that process if you like. Blocking sites that you don’t want them to have access to is simple enough. You can even put a password on the computer so that no one is using it when you aren’t home. Have time limits on computer use as well so that your child doesn’t use it at the only method of interacting with friends and family members.

Place the computer in a centralized location of the home. That way there can’t be any secrecy about what is being accessed online. For example in the living room or the family room with the screen pointed towards where people will be walking by. Allowing a child to have a computer in their room is dangerous because it allows for that opportunity to get involved with things online that they shouldn’t be.

As a result of that your child needs to agree that you have access to their email and other accounts. That way you can randomly go in and see what is going on. If your child won’t abide by those rules then they aren’t going to be able to use the computer without 100% supervision. You need to be aware that they can at the homes of other people so make sure you know the rules at the places where your child goes. This includes the library where they may be able to freely chat online.

Make sure you know what your children are exploring online as well. Many children have a MySpace account even though it says you must by at least 14 years of age to have one. Some of the messages on those pages for younger children are simply inappropriate. You need to be an advocate for your children to ensure they are making good judgment calls online.

You children may not like all of the family rules about internet use but that is something that they will need to accept if they want to use it. Your ultimate goal is to keep the internet as a good resource for them as well as a place to have some fun. Yet you don’t want to compromise their safety in any way.

Make sure your children know to report any instances of someone asking them for personal information online. Report that to the local authorities so that you can prevent them from targeting other children as well. Online bullying is another problem so make sure your children let you know about any inappropriate remarks or emails as well.