In the decade since it became an integral part of our lives, the Internet has transformed the way we communicate, do business, shop and obtain information.  But perhaps no group has been as profoundly impacted by the web as our children.   Children as young as five years old are able to navigate the online world with ease – and the older they get the more they use it to communicate with their friends and get help with their school work.

But our children are also at great risk when they are online.  Danger lurks around every corner in the form of cyber-bullies, predators and massive amounts of inappropriate information – both hidden (in chat rooms) and overt (in pornography and other adult sites).

As parents, we walk a fine line – we must allow our kids to use the computer in order to stay current and build skills for their future, but we must also play the role of watch-dog in order to make sure that they do not fall prey to those who would exploit them online.

To help guide the way, here are some simple tips for monitoring your child’s Internet time.

Explain the rules right up front

No matter how you choose to monitor your child’s Internet use, it is important to let them know right from the start that you will be an active part of the computer time.  But don’t stop there – explain that you are doing it for their own safety, telling them about the potential dangers that can be found on the Internet.

Make computer time family time

The best way to help your children stay safe while they are online is to supervise their activity.  And the most effective, productive way to do that is to hold daily “Internet Family Time” in which every child is given a chance to work or play online, but with adults present. Be sure to make this time fun, and something the kids look forward to every day.

Monitor bookmarks and history records

Another effective method for monitoring a child’s Internet use is simply reviewing their bookmarks or site history at the end of their online sessions.  This will provide a clearer picture of the kinds of sites your children are visiting, and will give you a chance to talk to them about inappropriate websites and potential online dangers that can be found in the sites they are browsing.   Many kids may be unaware of the types of people who inhabit these sites, and will benefit greatly from a little extra information.

Block unwanted sites

Recent software innovations have made it possible for parents to install site blockers into their browsers which prevent children from viewing certain sites.   While these programs are effective, they are not perfect (and may be no match for a motivated, tech-savvy kid) and should always be accompanied by parental education or involvement (such as those listed above).

Has your child been the victim of a cyberbully?  Are you concerned about threat of cyberbullying in your child’s peer group?  CyberBully Alert helps families fight back against online predators and cyberbullies.    Visit www.cyberbullyalert.com today for more information.