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With students out of class over the summer break, it's important to make sure their safety online is protected. Young people love the interactive services available online such as:

• online games or gaming groups
• chatting, peer to peer (file sharing sites where they download music)
• instant messaging

Parent's know their child better than anyone else. It is up to you to monitor and outline what aspects of the internet your child has access to and use of while at home. Depending on the age of the child - and their maturity - there are serious safety issues you should discuss with your child right now.

• Maybe you might feel intimidated because your child may know more about the subject matter than you. But remember - your wisdom is very different from your child's knowledge. You have an entirely different perspective.

• If you simply make a list of things you can't do online, you can inadvertently make these restricted areas even more attractive! Talking about the consequences, or proposing alternatives in a constructive, positive way that encourages communication, understanding and mutual respect.

How to talk about the issues before there is a problem:

• I-Rule: Online Internet Guide is designed to facilitate positive communication about internet safety. The guide outlines how kids can "rule" responsibly online. The program assists in building a child's sense of personal responsibility by empowering them with education about safe internet usage. I-Rule is a good foundation for the 5 main principles for any child or adult to use on the Internet or a mobile phone. Or take it a step further - get your children to write their own set of web rules or guidelines – like a family code, which you will all adhere to.

• Get the Facts: Some risks are specific to certain aspects of the internet. Spam or junk email is part of our everyday experience. The spam facts sheet [pdf] provided here is intended to provide detailed advice/guidance.