Instant Messaging (IM)

How can I make it safer?

With your child, help set up their login information and email addresses. Assist with the creation of online profiles. What username or character names has your child given her/himself? Does it provide identifying characteristics about her/him or her/his hobbies (e.g. shygirl, bookworm, etc.)?
Review your child's Instant Messaging (IM) logs. Pay attention to the nature of the conversations, and the tone of their interactions.

Set the expectation that you will supervise your child's online activities, as the Internet is a public place. Monitor your child's online communications closely, and discuss the qualities of healthy and unhealthy friendships. Talk to your child about those people who aren’t being “nice” online and how to handle these types of situations.
Teach your child about adding friends only if s/he has already met them in person (i.e. exchanged email addresses with friends over the phone or in person).
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 even if it seems to be coming from friends.