Tips for keeping kids safe

Generally used on older kids, these can be used with or without their knowledge, though going the sneaky route is not recommended. The goal with these is to allow them the freedom to go where they want and do what they want, but also to be able to review their activities occasionally to make sure they haven't been bending/breaking rules or getting themselves (or you) into trouble. There are several kinds of monitoring software (or hardware) you can use to help you: While net restriction software can be circumvented a number of ways, the only way to stop these kinds of programs is typically to disable them (which can't be done easily without you knowing). Another thing each of these has in common is that they can be used secretly, openly, or psuedo-openly.

Secretly

In this case, you don't tell your kids that you'll be monitoring them which makes it unlikely that they'll be able to circumvent the controls. However, if you act on anything you learn from monitoring software, they'll figure it out quick enough and you might destroy your trust relationship. This approach is not recommended.

Openly

If you're brave and sure of your computer prowess, go ahead and tell them that you're monitoring them and how. There's a good chance that with some effort, they'll be able to defeat your mechanisms.

Psuedo Openly

The recommended option. In this case, you make it clear that you will be monitoring their use of the computer, but don't tell them how. This way, they will be more cautious of what they say and do, but without knowing what method you're using, they won't be able to get around your protections (at least, not without it being really obvious that they're doing so).