Macs, PCs, iPhones and Android phones -- now more than ever we're surrounded by computers and nearly unlimited information and ability for interactions. How do you ensure that your child sees what you what them to see? Communication with your child should be your first tool, but there are technological solutions to meet these challenges too. 

• Never share names, schools, ages, phone numbers, or addresses

• Never send pictures to strangers

• Keep passwords private (except to parents)

• Don’t open any mail from strangers

• If something mean or creepy happens, immediately get a grown-up

Visit only age-appropriate sites

Check out the site before your kids visit. Know what features exist – chat functions, game play, virtual worlds.

Search safely

Use safe search settings for young kids or filtering software to limit inappropriate exposure.

Avoid strangers

Tell your kids that people aren’t always who they say they are in cyberspace. If someone they don’t know talks to them (outside of controlled environments like Club Penguin), tell your kids they shouldn’t respond.

Be a good cyber citizen!

Remind kids that an Internet playground is still a playground and they need to play nice. A good rule of thumb: If they wouldn’t do something in real life, they shouldn’t do it online. Show your kids where they can report mean behavior or unkind content.

Online cheating?

 It’s still cheating and it’s a no-no – pure and simple.

Keep the computer in a central place

So you can see what’s going on.

Establish limits on the amount of time they spend online

Use a family media agreement.

View your own habits carefully

You are their role models.

Set clear rules beforehand

But mostly, be involved and have fun!