- Keep the computer, or only the online one if you prefer - in the living room, rather than in his bedroom.
- Surf with your son frequently, and talk about it. Discuss information shown there: it is a fantastic resource, but there is also a lot of inaccuracy.
- Use internet filtering software. The best home one is generally agreed to be NetNanny (www.netnanny.com). It costs about $40, and has versions for both Mac and PC.
- Ask your ISP about child-friendly settings.
- Discuss with your son the dangers of giving out his personal details to register for sites. If a site has to be registered for, and it is worthwhile, make up another email address for this.
- Chat rooms. These are blocked at school, but he may well register for them at home. He has no real idea of who he really is communicating with. It is difficult to stop this in a private area such as his bedroom, another reason for a communal area.
- Be aware also that Facebook, Bebo, etc., are only open to 13-year-olds and over - he has had to state his age when registering. Also, there has been a lot of trouble with these sites: this morning (Sunday, 8 March) it was on the TV news that a serious virus is being propagated via Facebook. 'Friends' made online can seem very appealing to a young boy; unfortunately, and dangerously, no-one knows who they actually are. Security settings on these sites must also be made tight: homes have been trashed by advertising a party online and dozens of strangers turning up!
- If paying for items, do not use your main bank accounts. I had over $1000 taken overnight two years ago; since then I have opened a small savings account, and transfer just enough money into that to pay online bills. Incidentally, after a struggle I got all except $36 returned!
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