The Internet is an amazing source of information, communication, and entertainment for people of all ages. If you're reading this online right now, it's likely your children are connected to cyberspace on a regular basis as well. And if you're like most families, your children are probably better at using the Internet than you are!

Know where they go.
It's important to know how your children are using the computer and what websites they are visiting. Talk to them about which websites they like best and least, and check some out together. While some home pages can look innocent enough, content may change as you start "surfing" the site, so explore each site before you give your child the go-ahead. Warn your children not to download games or files, or open emails from unknown addresses, as they may contain programs that either disable your computer with viruses or that may allow remote access to your computer by users outside of your home. Keep your family computer(s) in a general part of the house (ex: den, living room) that allows you to easily and regularly monitor use. The Internet is a wide universe and you can't know where your child goes in it if they explore it behind closed doors.

Monitor online chats with friends...
…just as you would phone conversations or other get-togethers. Get to know frequently used Internet lingo so you can stay on top of what type of chats your kids are having. There are even acronyms specific to keeping parents uninformed (ex: KPC = Keeping Parents Clueless; POS = Parent Over Shoulder) – sites such as www.netlingo.com/emailsh.cfm provide helpful references for these and other acronyms, emoticons, and more. Knowing who your children are spending time with and what they are doing is one of the best ways to help them stay out of trouble. Children are often (secretly) relieved when they can use their parents as the excuse for not engaging in a risky behavior (ex: "I'll get in big trouble if I do that, and my mom watches everything I do…")

Monitor personal info shared in public places…
With the relative anonymity and sense of distance between Internet users, many children are easily fooled into a false sense of trust in chat rooms. Teach your children to use a nickname (one that is used only for the Internet) instead of their real name or known nicknames, and explain how no personal information should be shared – school names, and sports team or club names may not seem like personal information to a child but it could easily lead a stranger right to them. Ask your children to let you know right away if anyone online makes them uncomfortable. If you suspect someone of lewd or predatory types of behaviors towards your child, contact the Cyber Tip Line at (800)843-5678 or www.cybertipline.com.

Enjoy the Internet!
The Internet is a powerful technological tool for people of all ages. The unlimited access it provides can be both exhilarating and overwhelming – with your supervision, you will be able to help your child make the most of navigating this wide, wonderful universe!!!