iVillage: Safe surfing with Coleen Nolan

Any parent with a child of school age knows the hidden dangers of surfing online. Loose Women presenter and mother Coleen Nolan spoke to iVillage.co.uk about surfing safely and how parents can get involved while their children are online

Do you think it's a challenge to keep control of kids' internet activity when they are such different ages (Coleen has three children: Shane Jnr aged 19; Jake aged 15 and Ciara, six)?

Coleen Nolan: As a mother you are always aware that you can't keep an eye on your children 24/7 and you have to give them their freedom. When they are playing in the garden you can go outside and watch but a computer seems more solitary.

It is really difficult as when they get older you want them to feel like you trust them and want them to do things without you watching them. You just don't know who is on the other end of the computer, they definitely need more restrictions.

What sort of web sites do your children like to visit and how do you monitor them?

Coleen Nolan: My daughter likes toy web sites and the boys are more into general Internet and sports. I tend to let them have one hour a day surfing then I try and encourage them to socialise in the real world! I feel that social networking sites are having an effect on how children socialise outside but at the same time, you worry when they are playing outdoors with their friends as well!

How can parents get involved with their children while surfing?

Coleen Nolan: Parents need to realise that while they naturally worry about their children talking to strangers outdoors it is just as important to make sure they are aware of the dangers online.

We as parents must get clued up on how they could be targeted online and talk to our children. If you surf together it can be fun, then that way it doesn't feel like you don't trust them. I think it is all about having a balance really.

How can parents monitor online activity during busy revision periods?

Coleen Nolan: Obviously they are on the internet for work and for fun and I don't want to stop them from working but at the same time not all work is on the Internet. It is pretty easy to get distracted when sat at a computer, so we try and make sure they are not sat at the computer all of the time and mix it up a little bit.

Coleen's surfing tips for parents

1. Have an open, honest relationship with your children when it comes to anything online. Be interested in what they are doing and they will be interested in sharing things with you. The more you build up this two-way trust; the less they will feel on their own and unable to talk to you if they do ever feel uncomfortable online and need your advice.

2. Log onto the Internet together and become a part of their online life! I do this with my children and while I find it interesting, they love the fact that I want to understand what they are doing. The more we as parents learn about sites like Facebook the less daunting it will become to us. Your children will think you are interested rather than 'getting at them' when you ask them what they?ve been up to when on their computer.

3. Ensure that your children - especially the younger ones - know not to give out any personal information online. Those that don't understand how dangerous it can be to give out real names, addresses and date of birth might just think they are being friendly when they divulge this information in a chat room. It is important as a parent, to educate them on the dangers while not scaring them and discouraging them using the Internet, which after all, is a fantastic tool for our children to develop their minds!

4. Set boundaries and rewards for your children. If they do an hour of homework, they are allowed 15 minutes on their favourite website. It will motivate them to work and also reinforces your authority on their Internet use.

5. Use filtering and protection software. The issue and dangers really can't be ignored anymore and such products can be there perhaps when you aren't and ensure that you are protecting your children as much as you can.

Coleen Nolan is working with Sentry Parental Controls , a computer programme that protects children online .