The popularity of social networking continues to grow among kids. Social networking sites can provide a secure way for kids to connect with each other, but they can also be exploited for any number of reasons, good and bad. It is recommended that parents be diligent and take steps to keep their kids safe online.

Kids of all ages are getting into social networking. Facebook and MySpace require all users to be at least 13 years old, some sites are geared for children even younger.

Here are some tips for parents who want to help keep their kids safe online:
Use content filtering software - Websense, Cyperpatrol or Netnanny , to name a few can protect your child from inappropriate content, maintain a log of where they have been or require your password based permission to continue on to a specific website. It can also save a lot of money by cutting down on malicious software that can be harmful to your computer.

Explain the Difference in Sharing and Oversharing - While social networking is about sharing photos, thoughts and experiences, explain to your kids that they should never share personal information such as phone numbers, address, bank account numbers, passwords or their Social Security numbers. Also, talk about what constitutes inappropriate photos or language and stress the fact that-while you may be able to delete them-you can never fully take them back.

"Never talk to strangers" applies online too - One of the first rules we teach our kids is to never talk to strangers; remind them that the rule holds true when online. Even though chatting with a stranger online can seem harmless, the relationship can evolve and grow until the stranger has earned your child's trust-and can then exploit it.

Set privacy settings - Social networking sites let users determine who they want to share information with. Talk to your child about restricting access to his or her profile to only friends or users in safe networks such as their school, clubs or church groups.
Talk to your kids - Let your kids know that you are always ready to talk if they are ever threatened, bullied or feel uncomfortable about an experience they had online.

Surf safely with them – If you haven't already, set up your own account in the same social networks. This will help you better understand what social networking is all about. You can also then "Friend" your child and keep an unobtrusive eye on what they are doing.
Federal law requires sites collecting identifying information from children under 13 to get a parent's consent first. Report concerns about data collection from children under 13 to the Children's Advertising Review Unit of the Council of Better Business Bureaus at www.caru.org/complaint.