By Kimberly Sturgis

Did you know that an estimated 725,000 people have been aggressively pursued for sex online? Are you aware that 1 out of 4 children have been sent pictures of people that were naked or having sex? Astonishingly, 1 out of 5 kids have been solicited for sex on the internet and 50%25 of people have had phone calls with someone they chatted with online. 84%25 of teen and preteen girls rely on common sense when determining whether someone is safe to chat with online. The internet is a big place, but there are real, trustworthy strategies that can be implemented to protect your child from online predators.

1. Talk To Your Kids

Ask questions about your child's internet activity and keep your eyes and ears open about internet trends. (myspace, bebo, etc.) Make sure that your child understands that they shouldn't believe everything that they see or hear online.

2. Set Guidelines For Your Child's Internet Usage

Just as we were told to never go with a stranger when we were kids, the children of today need to be told to never give out personal information(address, phone number, etc.) or ever meet in person someone that they have met online, without permission from you. Encourage your child to tell you if they ever encouter something or someone that makes them feel uncomfortable on the net.

3. Record Everything They Do On The Internet

There is excellent software on the market that can do it all. (record passwords, myspace activity, instant messages, email in and out, works in total secrecy and doesn't slow down your computer) Install it for virtual babysitting.

The critical element to protect your child on the internet is YOU. On the internet, as with all aspects of life, children need parents to guide them and to intervene when necessary. Even if you can't always be there to supervise online activities, you can still teach them to use the internet wisely and record activity so you know for sure.

Kimberly Sturgis is the proud mother of 5 children ranging in age from 2 to 17. She is constantly on the lookout for products and ideas to help keep children safe. To see her choice for the best internet safety product Click Here!