By Chris McElroy

'What if that were my child?' 'What would I do if I were that childs parent?' 'Why didnt that childs parents do more to keep their child safe?' 'How can I keep this from happening to my child?'

Those are just a few of the questions that go through any parents mind when they hear about a child becoming the victim of a child sex predator or just any child that is missing without a clue. In some of these stories, the child or teenager first met someone online, then began to trust that person, then met them offline and disappeared.

When talking about Internet Safety, that is of course the worst case scenario. Other issues involve not wanting your child to be exposed to pornography, not wanting to have your child exposed to people who will make sexual advances to them online, and not wanting your child to do anything that might put them or even you at risk.

It is a very real problem that all parents need to address. Ignore what your children and teenagers do online at your own peril. If they are more computer literate than you are, it makes it even more difficult to know how to monitor their online activities. In addition to that, you feel as a parent you shouldnt be 'snooping' on them.

Your children can benefit greatly by being allowed to use the Internet. These days they can learn more online than they ever will in just school alone. They need both, so you have to find a way to balance the need for your children to go online with making sure they are safe online.

Fortunately there are programs available that can help you achieve that balance. The first thing you need to do is make sure your child knows about safety. In the footer of this article will be a link to the Kidsearch Network Website and to RunawayTeens.org where you will find the information they need to learn and what you as a parent need to know. There is even tools you can use to test your child to see how much they have learned.

The second step is to get a program like Online Safety Shield. Whether you tell your children or teenager it is there or not, the program will monitor everything that is done on each computer you install it on. It will allow you to flag certain keywords that you are concerned about your child encountering or that will associate with websites that are on that topic.

It will even take screen captures that allow you to see later which websites your child visited that contained that type of content. It does a lot more, but its best if you take a look at it for yourself. Just go to this website, http://www.onlinesafetyshield.com to see which version is right for you.

The bottom line is that Internet Safety is something that every parent has to be concerned about. Your children need to be able to make use of this great tool for learning, however you need to have some peace of mind that they are using it wisely. Learn more. Teach more. Be an 'involved' parent. Your childs life may depend on it.

Chris McElroy is the Founder and President of Kidsearch Network, and also has a website specifically about Runaway Teens

By Scott Hendison-Editor, WebSafeKid.Com

If you are concerned about your kids internet safety you are not alone. Parents all over the world know that there are predators who want nothing more than to lure children into their trap. But if you are aware that these people exist, you have already taken the first step to keeping your child safe.

One of the best ways to ensure you kids internet safety is to speak with the officials at their school. You may be surprised to find out that many school districts have courses or lessons in place that teaches kids internet safety. Even though this may seem like overkill, in today's day and age it is almost a necessity.

If your child's school does not teach kids internet safety, you may want to inquire as to why not. By doing this you might turn some heads, and be able to speak with the school about implementing this procedure. Chances are that you will be able to find other parents who are just as concerned as you; so forming a committee may be the best way to go. Obviously the more parents that call the school about kids internet safety, the better chance you will have of being heard.

Overall, kids internet safety is very important, and one of the best places to learn about this is in a school environment. If your child is not being taught about internet safety you will want to find out why. By doing this you will be keeping your child as well as others safety.

WebSafeKid.Com has the latest articles and information to help keep kids and teens safe,
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