Covering the Basics

  Step 1:  Setting Up For Safety

Place your family computer with visibility in mind. You'll want to keep an eye on what your child is doing on the Internet so place the screen in the most public area of your home. Remind your child that this is not a matter of trusting them--it's really a matter of good old parental supervision. After all, you wouldn't think of dropping young children off at a playground without making sure they would be properly supervised. The same applies online.
  Step 2:  Starting Small

If you have not yet wired your kids to the Internet, know that when you do, you can start small. Consider the age and maturity level of your children--and don't be afraid to err on the safe side. Utilize the most restrictive parental controls, filtering software and search engines available to you. For many kids this is fine, since even the most restricted Internet is still an exciting new world of discovery. As your Net know-how expands, you can free up the controls for more open access.
  Step 3:  Get To Know the Net

Before you can expect to properly supervise online kids, it's important to familiarize yourself with the basics. After all, it's much easier for a parent to teach their children about something they understand. If you are not yet hip to the Internet, there are countless ways to get acquainted with it, from books to free online tutorials. (By the way, don't be surprised if your kids have a better grip on the family computer's capabilities than you do.)
  Step 4:  Ask Your Kids

Not interested in taking on a new area of study? Ask your kids to show you the ropes. They'll not only enjoy showing the old folks a thing or two, but will be pleased you asked. Many find that this is a unique, productive way to spend some time together. Best of all: their advice is free. Don't their superior tech-prowess daunt you. You are still the parent and your judgement will be sorely needed in the online world.
  Step 5:  Learning Their Habits

After having them show you how the computer and the Internet works, sit down with your child and let them show you what interests them about the Internet. In the spirit of open communication, don't make this an ambush or overt spy operation. Does your child like to chat with other kids? Play games? Catch up on their favorite gossip? When you get an idea of where (and with whom) they spend their online, you'll get a better understanding of what to look out for.
  Step 6:  Setting Boundaries

Now that you have an idea of what the Internet is and how your kids use it, it may be time for you to step in and lay down some laws. There is a lot out there and the Supreme Court has determined cyberspace is a place of free speech. But it is well within your power to rein in what your kids have access to on the Net. Some parents want their child protected from sexual content, hate sites and violence, but don't care about drug-endorsements or tobacco-related sites. Ultimately, it's your call.