Childhood today is very different from what it was like when we were growing up as kids. For most of us, we had to log on to a dodgy dial-up connection in the hope that we could fill out our MySpace profiles before mom needed to use the phone. These days, kids are attached to the internet wherever they go thanks to tablets and smartphones. It's so ingrained in our everyday lives that it's difficult to get away from.

When it comes to keeping our kids safe online, it can seem like a daunting process, but this handy checklist from Internet Matters can help us put a stop to issues before they arise. If you're not as tech-savvy as you'd like to be, then don't panic - we're here to help with these handy tips.

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Enable parental controls

The first thing to do when kids get to web surfing age is to set up the parental controls on your broadband. Exactly how you do this will vary from provider to provider, but all companies have this service at no extra cost.

You'll be able to both monitor and restrict the content your little ones can access at the click of a button. The same goes for smartphones, too.

Set up any devices yourself

Kids know technology better than we do these days, so it's easy to just hand over a new tablet and let them be on their merry way, but take some moments to set up the device. Most gadgets come equipped with a facility to download age-appropriate apps and games, while some (like Amazon Fire tablets) can also restrict screen time so your kids can sneak extra hours when they're supposed to be sleeping.

Disable location services so that no one can pinpoint their location and set up password control purchasing so you won't be hit with an unexpected bill at the end of the month.

Have the internet talk

Communication is key when it comes to child safety, so make sure that your child understands why you're doing all of this. A simple "to keep you safe" won't do in this case. Have a conversation about why internet safety is so important, but keep it age appropriate. Trying to explain to a five-year-old the dangers of identity theft won't really work.

If they're at social media age then keep a close eye on their pages and discuss the different privacy features and how to make sure they don't put too much personal information on their profiles.

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