The internet offers endless opportunities, but there are some things you should avoid.

1. Teach your children to identify dangers and avoid risks. Explain to them that just like in real life they should not talk to strangers or give personal data.

2. Explain to them that they should never meet with an online friend without first letting you know.

3. Explain to them how location services work and what the risks of sharing their location on social media are. Advise them to disable this option, unless they need their GPS to navigate.

4. Once online, always online. Discuss with your children what is appropriate to post or to share online and what isn't. Explain to them that everything they post – comments or opinions – will always be visible to everyone. The internet remembers everything. Even posts on apps such as Snapchat, which are only visible a couple of seconds can be stored and shared by someone taking a screenshot. Tell them this: “Do not post photographs on social media you wouldn't want to see in a frame at your grandmother”.

5. Explain to them that they are not anonymous or protected because they are online and that they should never write online what they wouldn't say to someone in real life. Depending on their age talk about illegal downloads, plagiarism, pornography and stalking.