Instant Messaging (IM)

How can I make it safer?

Set the expectation that you will monitor children's online activities, as the Internet is a public place.
Ensure that children's Instant Messaging (IM) program is setup so that no one can speak to them without permission.
Know children's login information and email addresses. What username or character names has the child given her/himself? Does it provide identifying characteristics about her/him or her/his hobbies (e.g. shygirl, bookworm, etc.)?
Review children's IM logs. Pay attention to the nature of the conversations, and the tone of their social interactions.
Monitor children’s webcam use and any posting or exchanging of pictures online. Check children's files in "My Pictures" to see what images are being sent, received, and saved by children.

Explain to children that pictures should not be sent or posted online without parental permission. Once sent, control over what happens to the pictures is lost.
Reinforce the idea that not everyone is who they say they are online. People can pretend to be older or younger than they actually are.
Explain to children that they should trust their instincts and block someone if they ask questions online that seem 'weird' (i.e. questions about puberty, sex, etc.).
Talk to children about friendship: what it is and isn't.
Explain to children that online chatting needs to be adult-supervised.
Explain to children that it's illegal to threaten someone, and that they should tell a safe adult if threatened online.
Teach children about adding friends only if they have already met them in person (i.e. exchanged email addresses over the phone or in person with friends).
If children come across something or someone that makes them feel uncomfortable, even if it seems to be coming from friends, explain that they can tell you without fear of losing computer privileges.