Public Computing Time

• Place the computer in a commonly shared room, or restrict use of the Internet for children who use it. The accountability of another person and the ability to ask you any questions when something comes up is important. It gives you time to discuss any content and to also measure what content your child consumes without having to install an application that spies on their activity. This fosters trust and also allows your child to surf the Internet without software restriction, teaching them how to avoid bad content instead of relying on a filter or blacklist to do it for them.
  
  

Talk About Internet Privacy

• Kids growing up with the Internet are willing to release a wealth of information about themselves to social networking sites. They do not realize how easy it is for someone to use this information against them. Talk to your children about privacy and how not everything they read or are told by the people they meet on the Internet is true. While the Internet can expose children to diverse cultures and is an excellent exploration tool, it's important that children realize how easy it is to create and manipulate websites with misinformation.
  
  

Restrictions and Rules

• Lay down specific restrictions and rules regarding Internet use. If your child is unsure of what they are and are not allowed to do, there is a wide berth for them to explore and find content that you would deem unacceptable. Additionally, if you notice that your child is spending too much time on the Internet, you should set a restricted time table of maybe an hour or two each day and explain that even though the Internet is a prominent social portal it shouldn't be the only one.
  
  

Filtering

• Internet filtering is considered by many parents to be a last resort. However, others believe it is the first step in setting up a new machine. Filters can provide a false sense of security for a parent since there are dozens of ways around filters and guides on how to do it are all over the Internet. Additionally, a filter that dynamically judges content could restrict potentially beneficial sites by accident, such as sites being used for school work or research into a controversial subject. Filtering should be well thought out before applied.
  
  

Keeping A Watchful Eye

• Despite your best attempts to protect your child, it is still possible that they manage to get themselves into an unsafe situation while exploring and communicating with people over the Internet. Keep an eye out for any sudden changes or anything out of the ordinary. According to the FBI's "Parent Guide to Internet Safety," a common sign that your child could be at risk is if they are becoming withdrawn from the family and are receiving gifts from people they met on the Internet that you don't know.