KWYKK - Know What Your Kids Know

First thing is first. Install and instant messenger and learn how to use it. Have a friend or family member install one on their computer and join the world of instant messaging. There is no point in trying to monitor instant messaging when you have know idea what your looking at. During your learning process, think of things that your child might try to do to keep you from snooping. Is there a way to clear history? If there is, then is there a way to keep it from being cleared? Is there a way to hide buddies that you chat with? If there is then learn how to unhide them. Next, learn some of the lingo. You will be surprised by some of the acronyms used and their meaning, but you might have a chuckle over them as well. Here are some examples:

1. brb - Be right back
2. nm - never mind
3. pos - Parent over shoulder
4. PAL - parents are listening
5. kpc - keeping parents clueless

A quick search on your favorite search engine for "net lingo" will provide you with many, many more! Once you have spent a couple of weeks chatting back and forth with your helper, you will be better equipped to understand what it is you are monitoring.