Here are some tips on how to talk about good internet habits with your kids.

• Start the conversation at the dinner table. This is an important discussion and the whole family should be involved.

• Ask your child what he does online, what sites he visits, and who he talks to. If your child gets defensive about his online activities, remind him that he’s not in trouble. You just want him to be safe on the internet.

• Ask your child if he is a member of any social networking sites. Does she have a blog? What sort of things does she post?

• Does your child use AIM or another instant messaging program? What’s her screen name? Who does she talk to?

• Now, sit down at the computer with your child. Ask him to show you any sites he visits regularly. Make sure their content is appropriate for your child.

• Ask your child to show you her blog and her profile on any social networking site she’s a member of. Review with her the rules about what is appropriate to post in such public forum.

• Go over your child’s friends list and instant messaging buddy list. Ask your child how if he personally knows each person and how he met them. If he doesn’t know them in the real world or can’t supply a first and last name, they should be deleted.

• Depending on your child’s age, you might consider asking them for their usernames and passwords to their email and blogs so that you can monitor what they put online.

• Without your child present, review the internet browser history to see if your child has been frequenting inappropriate sites without your knowledge. Consider installing an internet filter or parental control program. These programs will restrict the websites your child can access.

• Lay down firms rules for internet use. Place the family computer in a public area of the house. Do not let your child use the internet late at night.

• Remember you are the parent. Be straightforward with your child. While he may not be happy at the curtailment of his internet activities, remind him they are there to protect his safety.