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While we’d all like to keep our daughters locked in a closet until they hit 35, it’s simply not reasonable to never let them venture into the big bad world. With at least once computer or tablet humming happily away in homes across America, it’s a safe bet to assume that your child will be online for at least a portion of the day. If you are vigilant, you can help to protect your daughter while she’s in the virtual world. Here’s what you can do:

1.Surf Together

According to the FBI, one of the easiest ways to ensure your daughter’s safety online is to surf with her. Have her show you some of her favorite sites, play games together and watch videos that you both enjoy. It’s a fact that many children have more knowledge about computers than their parents do, simply because they’ve grown up in a technological age. By surfing with your daughter, you can ensure that you aren’t in the dark when it comes to her online habits.

2.Computer Placement

If you have children, your computer, or computers, should be kept in common areas of the home where they are easily visible while in use. For some families, the best place for the computer is in the living room. For others, the dining room or family room may be the best option. No matter where you decide to house your computer, it should never be placed in your child’s bedroom. If your child has a laptop, establish a rule that it is never to be used in private.

3.Passwords

Your child should never be permitted to keep passwords that you are unaware of. Knowing your child’s passwords will give you the opportunity to check her email from time-to-time, check out the sites she has been on and sign in to her messenger account. Your daughter should never have the assumption of privacy when it comes to the virtual world, nor should you go behind her back to check her activity. Make sure she understands that part of her privilege of surfing the Internet includes your checking in on her whenever you like.

4.Parental Controls

Your ISP will have parental controls installed as part of your Internet package. These controls include the ability to block sites that you deem unsuitable for your child. If you have yet to set up the parental controls on your family’s computer, do so immediately. You should also find out what controls are utilized by your child’s school and at any public places that allow children to use their computers. If you aren’t satisfied with the controls that have been put in place, don’t allow your daughter to access the Internet away from home.

5.Have a Conversation

No amount of safeguards that you put in place will eliminate the need to talk to your daughter about Internet safety. Make sure that your daughter is aware of the potential dangers of the Internet. Your daughter should know what to look for when it comes to online dangers. Your daughter should also know who to alert if they become concerned about something in the virtual world.

You can’t protect your daughter from everything in this world, but you can do your best to keep her as safe as possible. By following the tips above, you can help to ensure your daughter’s safety and security as she surfs the wide world of the Internet. If you are alerted to suspicious activity, contact your ISP or the authorities immediately.

Kara Martin writes for forensics blogs. If you’re considering a criminal justice career, check out her blog at bestcriminaljustice.com.