Net-security.org recently posted 10 tips designed to promote online safety for children, and their number one tip includes using parental control software.

Of course, we heartily agree.

While simple online safety features might be adequate for the youngest of children - and even then we shudder to think of the possibilities - in today's world of cyber bullies, online predators and scam artists, every family should have parental control software installed on their computers.

We have only one concern - while we agree that open talk with children regarding the dangers of the Internet is a "must" these days, there are many situations in which discussing parental controls would actually work against them.

As the article says itself, "kids today are fascinated by the Internet and extremely skilled when it comes to using a computer."

In many cases, older kids and teens will engage in risky and downright dangerous behavior regardless of their parents' wishes. When these kids know that their computer features invisible parental control software, they're likely to simply continue that same behavior elsewhere.

And parents need to protect their kids from every danger, even when that danger is constituted by their own behavior.

Until they become adults, every parent should have the option of not telling their kids about the parental controls on the family computer. After all, parents know their kids best, and a decision as important as this one really does depend on the nature of the child in question.