When my sons first started going on line, the computer was in the living room and I was around. They knew I could see what they were doing at any time. When we got another computer and put it in their room, I made sure they knew that I knew how to find out what they were doing. What sites they were visiting and such. They were discussing the ways I could do this. They mentioned the history and the cookies. I told them there were other ways in addition to the ones they mentioned. But of course, I wasn't going to tell them what they were. They both believed me. I'm a good bluffer.
I also gave them the reasons they shouldn't give personal information to anyone they met online. I gave them guidelines. For instance, they could give their first name, but not their last, their state and country, but not the city. I made sure they knew the reasons they needed to be protective of their information and made sure they understood them.
|