Most parents view their children's antics indulgently. If they see their kids wrapped up in their cell phones or glued to computers, “working” long hours, it is assumed they are learning something useful. Parents in their late forties and early fifties who did not grow up around computers and cell phones know little about the vast world of internet, and are blissfully unaware of the lurking dangers that threaten their children.

It is a matter of pride for children to have a twitter and Facebook account, join virtually all social media sites, connect with friends, invite people to be friends, lay out their life's history and all personal details on these sites. It may be a way of showing off or conforming to peer pressure. The fact is they do all this little knowing the dangers internet poses. There are predatory sharks navigating the web and looking for victims. If it is only money at stake it is ok but when there is involvement in unsavoury activities, it can leave a lasting scar on your child. That’s the reason why parents need to be cyber savvy and keep track of their children!

Impressionable minds are open to exploitation. Hardened criminals have no qualms about exploiting innocent children and if you, as a responsible, cyber savvy parent do not enlighten children, the risk is always there. Placing total restrictions on accessing internet/ cell phone may not work. Children can find out ways. Teaching them to do it responsibly with awareness of dangers and pitfalls means they act wisely and do not allow themselves to be lured. Another reason to learn basics of the cyber technology.

If you have a daughter she could become a target for a cyberstalker. Internet is full of porn and toxic knowledge. If you are not cyber savvy, you won't know anything about it until it is late in the day.

In general, the risks are Exposure to Inappropriate Material, Physical Molestation through arrangement or encounter, Harassment and Bullying, Viruses and Hackers and unknowningly a child could do something that has negative Legal and Financial consequences. Children can be used as a conduit to get your personal data like credit card details and bank account details.

Excessive time on internet or phone puts physical and mental development of children on a back seat. Get your kids involved in healthy sports and interaction with other children. Put them in programs and keep them busy to prevent them from slipping into the internet addiction trap. Prevent development of a lopsided personality. Involve them activities that are more rewarding and contribute to their physical and social growth.

Best way is to educate your children on pitfalls and benefits of a healthier lifestyle using technology gadgets, giving recommendations as a friend, not as a controlling authority. Internet safety begins at home. Online communities can be used by criminals who can sneak in and target your child.

A common excuse most parents put forward is that they do not know and do not have the time. Our recommendations and guidelines for Parents are:

(1) Ensure that your child never gives out identifying information on internet. (2) Get to know the Internet/ Phone services your child uses. (3) Remember that people online may not be who they seem. (4) Never allow a child to arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they “meet” on the Internet without parental permission. (5) Ensure that your child never respond to messages that are obscene, threatening, or uncomfortable. (6) Remember that everything you read online may not be true. (7) Set reasonable rules and guidelines for computer use by your children. (8) Check out blocking, filtering, and rating applications. Be sure to make this a family activity. (9) Consider keeping the computer in a family room rather than the child’s bedroom. (10) Talk frankly with your children; (11) Ask them to report anything “funny” or “strange” to you.

Let them know that you know all about social networking, website and internet chats; get them to visit sites where the dangers are elaborated.

If they know that you know as much or more, they are more likely to seek your guidance in case of any doubt or problem.