Search Engines

How can I make it safer?

Restrict your child's use of adult search engines. Show your child how to use age-appropriate search engines (e.g. Yahooligans).
Teach your child how to use "favourites" and "bookmarks."
Use the filtering options available on many search engine sites to help moderate the search results that appear. Sites like Google, Yahoo!, and Bing provide SafeSearch modes through their settings.
Use filtering software.
Set strict limits on the amount of time children spend online.
Set the expectation that you will monitor your child's online activities, as the Internet is a public place.
Take time to explore the sites your child visits to make sure they are age-appropriate by reviewing her/his history files.

Use a critical eye while visiting websites with your child. Pay attention to what your child is interested in, and address safety issues as they arise (i.e. chat components, posting messages, trading items with others, avatars interacting, etc.).
Let your child know that if s/he feels a situation is potentially unsafe, it probably is, and to come and talk to you about it.
If your child comes across something or someone that makes her/him feel uncomfortable, explain that s/he can tell you without fear of losing computer privileges.