Children use the internet for many different activities. Like many adults, they use the internet to find information, get in touch with friends, download stuff, play games and buy things. But unlike adults, chicken are more vulnerable to abuse by online predators.

The internet has quickly become one of the biggest sources of information on almost any topic. Using a search engine, you can easily find links to many websites where you can find the information you are looking for. At school, children turn to the internet first to find information for homework and course work. Apart from educational websites, kids may also visit other websites that may not be safe for them to visit. As a parent it's important for you to know which sites your child has been visiting.

Children use many different methods to get in touch with their friends. Online services like email, Instant Messaging (IM) and chat rooms are the most popular. Social networking sites like Myspace and Facebook are also very popular. Children find these activities fun and enjoyable. As a parent or carer, you can use software or talk to them to find out who they are talking to.

Many children use the internet to download stuff and get entertainment by playing online games, watching movies and listening to music. Most of the material they will be exposed to is Ok but you need to watch out for the inappropriate material and content. There is also the problem of spyware and viruses which often infect computers through email or by downloading infected stuff from the internet.

Children also use the internets to buy things. The internet gives them access to thousands of companies where they can buy CDs, DVDs, games and even clothing and other electronics. Many high-street companies have internet websites where they can go to do online shopping.

In conclusion, knowing exactly what activities your child does online can help you target those activities and pass on important information that can protect them from harmful material and unscrupulous people.

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