Is it spying or protecting?

[brass]

This is such a serious problem for parents at the moment as the internet is available from all manner of sources.

The fact you are aware of the kind of problems that can arise gives you a headstart on the resolution of those problems.

Also I would say all situations are unique with the age, sex and attitude of the children concerned most important, so that there isn't an all singing all dancing panacea that can be applied across the board.

I would advocate honesty in all dealings with children/young adults, where reasonable and negotiated boundries are set. Transgressions of such boundries are met with agreed penalties being applied and most importantly they are applied 100% without  predjudice. This means the transgressor understands what you say is what you mean and the punisment does not come as a surprise.

This is such a wide ranging subject and so difficult to sum up witout producing reams of cr*p.

A small postscript, most of you seem well adjusted parents whose own parents have had an effect on your outlook on life. Maybe just maybe a chat with them might not go amiss.