When kids reach a certain age parents are supposed to have "the talk" with them. This is a talk about how babies are made, what is sex, why is your body changing, what are those new feelings you're having amongst other things. These days it includes a lot more.

Today's parents have to deal with online porn, online predators, cyber-bullying and other online issues that they don't want their child to have to deal with. These issues are now part of "the talk".

Social networking sites play a big part in this. Here is where your child will most likely meet up with these issues. Talking to them about how to handle such issues if they arise is the first step to making sure your child stays safe if they are approached.

Tell them to come to you if a "friend" online requests nude photos of them or if another "friend" is posting nasty comments about them. If someone online wants to meet them in person try to explain to them why this is not a good idea or come up with a safe way to meet the friend, with you there and in a public place. Never meet an online friend in private.

When it comes to things online, tell them what to do if they come across a porn site, or even better, how to avoid coming across a porn site in the first place.

Children are naive. Just mentioning online safety in passing will not be enough to keep them safe online. They will think to themselves that you are exaggerating and they can handle it. Talk to them. Tell them true stories about kids their age or older who got in trouble online because they didn't know better to thought they could handle it. Get them thinking and make sure they are prepared for the worst, just in case.

Social networking sites are full of adults and children alike. Most of these people are just there to meet people and have a good time. Some are out there looking for children. Be proactive, tell your children how to be safe online.