Imagine that some malevolent foreign power sent agents to capture people and force them into military service. Further imagine that some of these conscripts were sent out to capture others until the evil regime had amassed an army of millions. What if all that is required to stop these agents of doom is simply lock your door and ask who's there before opening it? Would you take the necessary precautions?

The question is one with which many parents struggle. Most mothers and fathers want to trust their children, but given the dangers lurking online, that trust often must be tempered with caution. Even the most innocent activities can expose a child to dangerous malware, inappropriate content, and potential predators. Decisions regarding Internet use and monitoring ultimately lie with the parents, but a few common-sense guidelines will ensure that those decisions are both effective and reasonable.