There are very many websites known as Social Sites or Social Networks, where children and adults can easily create their own web page and insert lots of information and images of themselves. Usually they share these pages with their friends. A few names you may have heard of include: Twitter, Facebook, You Tube and MySpace. Make yourself aware of what your child might display on these sites by visiting them yourself. This way it will be easier to explain to your children some of the dangers they may face and how they can protect themselves.

Children are usually very trusting, especially of adults. But adults can take advantage of them and this happens on Social Websites as well as out on the streets. So your children need to be informed of the dangers they face when using Social Sites. Child predators are very clever. They understand children and your children need to know that they exist on Social Sites.

1. Do not give out personal information to anyone else. Sexual predators are aware that children will be excited when they get a new 'friend'. Will your child be able to tell if they are really a 'friend'? The online predators are good at coaxing information from children. They will get an address, a telephone number or name of a local club from them and then begin to follow them.

2. Agree that your child will not meet with any online friends without parents present. It's much easier to catch a predator if your child insists they come to your home rather than meet them outside somewhere. Insist with your children that if they are going to meet an online 'friend' in person, you will go with them.

3. Sexual conversations should be ignored. A sexual predator will not always talk about sex straight away. They will try to build up some trust with your child. Warn your child to end the conversation as soon as sex is mentioned.

4. Always be truthful. Teach your children not to pretend they are older than they are. If they call someone bad names this could come back on them later. They should always be honest and truthful.

5. Never reveal passwords. A friend could use your password and log in pretending to be you in a chat room. It might seem like a harmless prank but could lead to major problems for your child. Someone who is mad at your child could use their profile and say or do bad things.

Don't let your child become a victim of a predator. But you also want them to enjoy being a child. By teaching them about online safety, you will achieve both.