Online tools such as web filtering software and web monitoring software can't replace the actual presence of parents when it comes to ensuring the kids total safety while using the internet. Thus, the active role you can provide to your kids will ensure that they use the internet properly and stay on good sites.



Here are the things you can do to keep your presence with your kids:

1.Sit with your kids while they use the internet. Not only will this ensure that the sites they visit are safe, it also helps them to respond properly when they encounter online bullies, online predators, and inappropriate websites.

2.Be computer and internet literate. Know how to navigate the computer properly. Learn the basics and advance techniques on web security. Learn how web browsers and search engines work especially the way to enable the security settings. The point is, you should know more on how to operate the computer and internet than your kids.

3.Learn the chat lingo. Abbreviations such as brb (be right back), lol (laugh out loud), and btw (by the way) are some of the more common terms used in online chatting. There are more. Make sure you learn them so you understand what your kids are typing.

4.Create a family email account. If your kids are still too young to handle their own email account, create one for your family. This way, you can monitor the mail they receive and scan if the mail is safe or not.

5.Be open. Keep the communication open between you and your kids. Encourage your kids to share with you're their online experiences. This will also help them to easily open up to you if they encounter any problems while you are away.

6.Help your kids bookmark their favorite accounts for easy access in the future.

7.Set rules that you both agree to. Set a corresponding consequence if any of these rules aren't followed.

8.Teach your kids the online safety rules. This includes not giving personal information to strangers, not to accept gifts, not to meet personally people they only met online, not to open sites, the right time to use the computer, and the proper way to treat others online.

9.Always be there for your kids whenever they need your help. Take them seriously and respond immediately if they report something to you.