There is a basic tip if you want to be comparatively sure that you’re kids are behaving themselves on the internet. It’s got nothing to do with complicated software programmes, or sophisticated applications, it’s all about where the computer lives.

Letting a child, especially one aged below 16 have a computer in their bedroom, where they are allowed unfettered access to the internet, chartrooms and emails, is frankly taking a big risk. And it’s no excuse, as a parent, saying I had no idea what they were doing.

So, many parents insist that the computer, which can be used by the whole family, stays firmly in the living room and can be accessed only at times when they are present. It does not mean that the parent has to be continually looking over their child’s shoulder, it just means that they are in the same room and by taking that action, effectively unsettles the child, reminding them that they have to be careful so as not to incur their parent’s wrath.

Of course, as kids get older and there’s more of them, the inevitable nagging to get their own computer in their own room cannot usually be ignored and most parents cave in.

So, what can you do? Firstly, make sure that the computers are equipped with both good anti-virus and parental control software. These can of course be got around by a lot of kids who understand computers better maybe than you, but they are a necessary first line of defence.

Secondly, play the game with your kids. You might be technically inept and struggle to work the kettle. But try not to let the kids now that. If you can, really try and learn some basic techniques of tracking where the user of the computer has been trawling. Tell your child that say every two, or three days, you will need to run a few basic techniques to make sure that their computer is running properly.

You could always have an empty CD, load it up and kid on that it downloads all the info from their computer and that you will be running a few checks. It’s all smoke and mirrors of course, and as they get older, they realise a lot of it is bluff, but they might never be totally sure of your computer talents.

And if you can’t carry that off, get a member of your family, or a work colleague, and get them to help you. Even a desktop is quite portable, as you can take out all the leads and carry it to someone else to have a look for you.

Thirdly, let your child know that you will have a look at their in-box every week, or so, to check that there are no viruses, or worms that should concern you.

Now, this can be quite awkward, as your child might think you are effectively snooping on them, but far better that, than having your child risk the horrors of the internet without you. It’s a jungle out there, so you don’t let your child wander the expanse of the Savannah without some protection.

But actually, this is exactly what parental control software does; it enables a parent to control what sites are being viewed and what attempts are made to break the rules.

Safer Surfing for Kids at Home – Recap

• at first, if you can, keep computer in living room;
• use good anti-virus and parental control software;
• pretend that you know a few things about computers;
• keep an eye on your kids and their surfing/emailing habits;
• don’t see it as snooping, it’s all about being careful.