Have you noticed that your child spends a lot of time online? Do you wonder what they do or to whom they chat to while they sit in front of the computer? If so, it might be time to build an Internet relationship with them to discuss what they are doing online.

This is not to say that you need to stop speaking and start typing emails, rather it’s an opportunity to get a sense of what type of Web sites your child visits, if they use instant messaging and if so, who are their online buddies and what do they discuss while chatting online? This will help you determine if your child is having appropriate conversations online.

Another good idea is setting guidelines. Online service providers such as AOL Canada, for example, offers KOL – or "AOL for Kids" (www.aolforkids.ca) – a kid’s only Internet world that runs on top of any Internet connection, allowing children to explore, learn and have fun in a completely protected online environment. Parents can use the service on top of any existing Internet connection to help them monitor their child’s online activity and ensure that emails from strangers are not getting through to the kids. Try these features out yourself and set custom controls for email, web surfing and instant messaging for each child, as appropriate for their age.

Finally, discuss online safety with teachers to ensure supervision is also a part of your child’s educational environment. For more information, you can email the AOL Canada Net Mom at NetMomca@aol