And here are some tips for all you parents out there:

• Keep up with the technology. Don't shrug or say it's beyond you. If it is, ask your children to train you or join a basic internet class, these can be found at your local libraries and learning centres.
• Learn how to examine your web browser's History files. Even if you don't do it, make sure your children know it's possible for you to know where they've been.
  Here's how to do it: Open your web browser as normal. On the left hand side near the bookmark/favourite site column you will find a history button – simply click on this and choose whether to check by date, time or site.
• Look around your desktop, start menu or applications folder for suspicious programs. These could be anything from an unfamiliar icon on your desktop or a new software installation on your tool bar – If you are suspicious of any software, do not accept the download request and remove it from your computer by right clicking on the icon and selecting delete.
• Keep abreast of all your child's e-mail accounts; free web e-mail may allow your child to have plenty of e-mail accounts you don't know about. Ask them to write down their e-mail address so you know which one they are using. A child should not need more than one e-mail address.
• If your child visits chat rooms, take some time to ask them what chat rooms they visit, and what they speak about. Speaking openly and freely about chat rooms will make your child feel comfortable and more likely to come to you if they are concerned about a cyber friend.
• Get to know your children's cyber friends — certainly don't let them meet anyone in person without your attendance.