There is a huge benefit for a child who can use the internet properly. It would not be reasonable to deny them access to the world of information, a connection that will become an important part of their adult lives. However here are also some dangers and risks involved – the internet is an open and unrestricted environment.

For many parents, allowing their children free roaming on the internet causes absolute paranoia. Either we are too lacking in knowledge ourselves to control their browsing or we get too strict and close down their access to what has become a vital educational tool. Even some teachers are still uncertain although most schools now have effective controls in place.

Every week we hear horror stories of the evils that lurk on the internet in places like chat rooms. Even adults are lured into various kinds of traps by unscrupulous individuals. How can we set appropriate levels of access and still be certain that our kids are safe?

Like it or not, our children will inherit a very different world and we must prepare them to deal with the new technologies safely. To do that, we have to understand it ourselves so that we can guide them, or at least understand where they are going.