Online safety for children

I Googled toy shops once and you can guess what kind of 'toys' came up - a real eye-opener!

I goggled "clown fish" for my 4 year old GS and one of the options was "Have sex with a clown fish" - I really had thought this was a pretty safe search!

Marion - I think you are right to be concerned. There are parental controls that would probably be OK for the 8 year old but as regards your GD it would probably be a good idea to discuss with her the pitfalls of facebook/twitter and so on. If your daughter doesn't feel up to the task, it might be an idea to mention it at her school. I'm sure it's a common problem and one that an IT teacher might like to address with the children or give advice to the parents. I wouldn't personally be keen on such a young teenager having a facebook account but this is very much an individual thing, as some kids of that age can be very mature.

No, of course you're not being paranoid marion. If nothing else, at least ensure they use the computer is the same room as adults and not their bedroom. Praising them for noticing anything unsuitable for children gives the adults an opportunity to explain a little at a time.

Helo Marion - I don't think you are being paranoid - but very sensible. Someone pointed me in the direction of this www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/topics/safety-and-privacy/internet-safety-for-kids

I found it useful and you may too. Best wishes