You've heard the hype about the dangers of the Internet, but is it really that bad? The answer is -- yes and no. The Internet is a vast repository of information published by many different sources. Many of these sources are reputable and provide credible and valuable information. But since anyone can put up a website for very little cost, there is a great deal of biased, unreliable, and just plain inaccurate information, too. At the worst end of the spectrum, there are sites that deal in pornography, promotion of hatred, promotion of drug abuse, illicit gambling, and just plain fraud. On balance, however, the Internet is a valuable resource that you and your children need to know how to use. Because of its "anything goes" nature, however, people must learn to use it wisely.

Here are some tips for helping your child use the Internet safely, as well as some useful links to sites on online safety.

1. Learn about the Internet. Take a continuing education course, have your kids teach you, or borrow a book from the public library. It's easy to buy into the sensationalism surrounding the Internet if you are unfamiliar with what it is and how it works.
2. Take the time to see what your kids are doing online and what their interests are. Get to know who their online friends are, just as you would their "real life" friends.
3. Teach kids to never give out personal information to people they meet online, especially in places like chat rooms and bulletin boards. Personal information includes their real name, address, phone number, and where they go to school.
4. Instruct your child to never plan a face-to-face meeting alone with online acquaintances. Tell them to tell you if someone they meet online wants to meet them in person.
5. Tell your child not to respond when they receive offensive or dangerous e-mail, chat, or other communications, and to tell you if this happens.
6. Establish clear ground rules for Internet use for your kids. Decide whether or not to use parental control tools or protective software.
7. Place your computer in the family room or another open area of your home. Or use the computer together at a library, school, or community center.
8. Review the Internet Use Agreement we've suggested for kids. Change it to suit your family's needs if you like, and post it near the computer.
9. There are numerous sites about keeping children safe online. Try some of these links: