10 tips to help your children stay safe on the net

Keeping your child safe when they're online is one of the biggest concerns for most parents. Follow these tips to keep them safe when they use the Internet

1. Do make sure you know which sites your children are visiting, you can use the history function on your internet browser to check sites recently visited.

2. Don't put the computer in a room you don't use, or in a child's bedroom.

3. Do stay calm if you discover your child has been viewing inappropriate content, explain your worries and don't put them on the defensive. Remember, it's probably nothing more than natural curiosity.

4. Don't allow children to enter a chat room for over-18s, and tell them never to reply to emails or instant messages from strangers, nor to open attachments, and the reasons why.

5. Do ensure children know the potential danger of giving out personal details, name (always use a nickname as a username), address, phone numbers, age, where you live, school, if they are a boy or girl. Children should never post or send out a picture of themselves.

6. Don't assume people are who they say they are. Talk to your children about the risks of online predators.

7. Do install security software that has parental control features. But be aware this is not a magic solution to protecting children and is no substitute for parental involvement. If a child types in 'Sugababes' or 'Girls Aloud', they will be able to view obscene material as well as information on their favourite bands. Log on to www.childnet-int.org for advice on filter packages, fact sheets and seminars for parents.

8. Don't assume your child is innocent or ignorant about using the internet, they probably know more about it than you.

9. Do take immediate action if you think your child might be the victim of grooming, report it to the police, the NCH and the internet service provider.

10. For further advice, check out the Internet Watch Foundation's website and www.parentscentre.gov.uk.