A great educational tool for children, the Internet teaches practical research and computer skills in a fun environment. Unfortunately, the threats of child predators and other forms of online danger are just as real.

Which is why it's imperative for parents to stay involved and talk to their children about the safe use of the computer. One of the first things you can do is to establish the following rules of safety with your children.

Online safety rules

1. Never give out any personal information on the Internet, such as their name, phone number, home address, the name or location of their school, their parents' names or credit card number information.
2. Always use a pretend name or nickname that doesn't reveal anything about them, whether they're posting messages in a chat room or online forum. For example, little_fish2324 instead of kate_lee94.
3. Choose a gender-neutral nickname when chatting online.
4. Never respond to any message that makes them uncomfortable. If they come across anything online that makes them uncomfortable, they should report it to you right away.

5. Never agree to meet face-to-face with a 'Net friend' without their parents' permission. If a meeting is arranged, the parent should always accompany the child and make sure the meeting takes place in public.
6. Never open email files, links, pictures or games from people they don't know or trust. They should always ask an adult first.
7. When creating a password, they should make one that is hard to guess but easy for them to remember. They should never reveal it to anyone except their parents, to avoid having it stolen.
8. Never send any personal materials to an online friend, such as telephone number, address, photos or videos without informing their parents beforehand.
9. Always keep in mind that people they meet online may not be who they say they are.