Frontline investigates the risks of teen life on the internet.

PBS ran a special called Growing Up Online about the increasing dangers the Internet poses to our children, from letting them create alternate x-rated identities to being preyed upon by online pedophiles. Not to mention "cyberbullying." We turned to Dr. Pamela Varady for advice on how to deal with this sometimes-scary territory.

"There are two things parents need to keep in mind about the Internet. One is that it creates a veil teenagers hide behind and allows them to be more bold. The other concern is it is permanent. When we were kids, if someone wrote an insult on the bathroom wall, it was erased. But now, teenagers can type something mean and it becomes permanent.

Here are some tips:

Allow privacy: Teenagers need a private space. When we were kids it was visiting with friends at the bowling alley or someone's basement away from our parents. Now, our children are finding this privacy online and that's OK. Don't try and connect with your child during their private time.

Connect during transitional times: It's better and more effective to try and connect with your teen during a transitional time like grocery shopping or when driving somewhere. It's ineffective to start a conversation if the child is rushing off or is completely preoccupied. I often suggest that parents wait up for their child to return home after being out at night. When a teen returns from a social engagement later in the evening, they're tired and their defenses are down and they're ready to talk to you.

Don't Pry about Content: When you talk to your child, do not ask about who and what. Instead of asking, "what were you talking about online and who were you talking to?" ask, "you seem to love being online, why?" If you try and pry, your child will pull away. Keep the lines of communication open by asking the right questions.  Remember to guide and not control.

Set collaborative boundaries: Make them part of setting rules and etiquette with their online communication. If they are a part of the rule-making process, they will be more likely to follow them. Also, make sure there are consequences if a rule is broken. If the child makes the wrong move online, there needs to be a temporary consequence. Evolve the rules as your child ages. For the most part, no kid under 12 needs to be online. From 12-15 years of age it's OK to know their password and check in from time to time as you build trust. After 15 and if your child shows maturity, there's no need to know their password.

Carve Out Family Time.  Make sure to set aside specific time spent as a family.  Even if it's 15 minutes a day.  If left to their own devices, a teen will spend all day away with you.  And again, include your child in the process by picking a time that works for them.

"In closing, it's all about balance. Limit the time they spend online and make sure they are still spending time with their friends and family—old-fashioned face to face time. A well-balanced child who spends time online, visits with friends in person and is involved in extra-curricular activities is most likely to be safe using the Web. Problems arise when a child spends too much time online, is disconnected from their parents, and rarely socializes in person. The Internet does not make stable kids unstable. If a child has issues, such as depression, the Internet will allow them to fall deeper into their problems. If your child shows any signs of emotional issues, focus on that, not their online use. One on hand, the Internet can be a good social tool for a kid to stay connected, and on the other hand, if overused, it can dull the child's socialization because of the lack of in-person communication and the skills that develops.  Emotional and social intelligence is important to the success of your child, so make sure your kid balances online socialization with face to face socialization."