The Internet has a lot to offer: itÆs a world of information, a source of immense knowledge, a giant playground, and an intriguing place to explore. However, like the rest of society, it is also filled with dangerous places and harmful people. And kids, who are naturally adventurous about all things cyber, are the WebÆs most vulnerable and impressionable audience.

Like most parents, you probably have rules for how your children should deal with strangers, which TV shows and movies theyÆre allowed to watch, and what they are not allowed to do without your supervision. Nowadays, itÆs important to make similar rules for your childrenÆs Internet use and online activities.

The challenge, of course, is to establish limits that protect your childÆs safety without stifling their growth. How do you let your children explore the fascinating resources and educational tools on the Web without letting them be harmed by it at the same time? Unfortunately there is no one surefire way of preventing your kids from ever accessing inappropriate material, unless, of course, you are prepared to be right by their side every time they turn on the computer. That may be a simple solution, but itÆs not a very practical one. There are, however, a few simple precautions you can take that will greatly reduce the risk of your children coming face-to-face with disturbing material, and which will, at the same time, give them the street smarts they need to protect themselves in potentially dangerous situations. These precautions, together with the right sites, search engines, and software, should make the Internet a safe, rewarding and enjoyable experience for your child.

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SAFETY TOOLS

If you feel uneasy about letting your children roam free on the Internet, you can install a parental-control software program on your computer. These tools, although not totally foolproof, will help prevent your child from stumbling across sites that contain sex, violence, drugs, hate speeches, and any other criteria that you deem inappropriate for young eyes. Listed below are two of the most widely used Web filtering tools:

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CyberPatrol helps protect against the dangers children face online from harmful web site content, and can safeguard them against inappropriate language in chat sessions as well as protects them from divulging personal information online - and much more.

CyberPatrol parental control software is specifically designed to work on standalone Microsoft« Windows« based PCs at either the desktop or laptop level. It lets you manage and control children's access to the Internet as well as limit or prevent their access to programs, such as games or home finance packages located on your PC.

For more information visit the website.

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Cybersitter offers a simple interface, easy setup (basic installation takes less than a minute!), customizable lists, free downloadable daily updates, and some of the best customization options for blocking adult-oriented content.

This vigilant program not only blocks offensive Web sites, but it also supervises newsgroups, chat rooms, e-mail and instant messaging.

Because this software program is password protected, it can be easily deactivated or reconfigured by parents, but is virtually impossible for children to detect or defeat. Cybersitter displays no tell-tale signs that it is installed. It works secretly in the background, and springs into action whenever it detects activity that parents have chosen to restrict, and immediately blocks the activity before it takes place. This program also provides parents with a history log of all Internet activities, including any attempts to access blocked sites.

To find out more, visit www.CyberSitter.com

SUPERVISED CHATS FOR KIDS

Children love to socialize, and the Internet is filled with opportunities for youngsters to chat with each other and to make new friends. However, chat sites vary tremendously in the kinds of people who participate, the topics that are discussed, and the language that is used. If you want to limit your childÆs exposure to the darker side of chat rooms, be sure they do their online socializing in a supervised, kids-only, chat room. These sites have rules about swearing, insults, and bad behavior, and there are always adult supervisors on duty to enforce these rules. Most childrenÆs chat sites screen visitors as best they can to ensure theyÆre not adults posing as kids. Supervisors can track the Net movements of screen names to ensure that they havenÆt been to any inappropriate sites, and will block access to the chat room if they suspect the person of any unethical activity. The chat rooms listed below all have online chaperones who monitor conversations, language, and behavior.

Headbone Zone
This site provides a fun, safe, and educational place for 8 to 14 year olds to hang out. It features a wide variety of activities, games, and chat rooms which are divided between zones for the under-12 set and teens. This site allows parents to control their childrenÆs access to various communication tools such as chat, e-mail, and pager.

AOL Kids Only (AOL Keyword: KO) America Online offers several kidsÆ chat rooms with clear rules governing behavior. This site is popular, so donÆt be surprised if the rooms are filled to capacity.

RESOURCES FOR INTERNET PARENTS

The following Web sites are all dedicated to providing information and resources to parents who want to keep their children out of harmÆs way on the Internet. Visiting these Web sitesÆ bulletin boards, chat rooms, and referrals will help you learn about the newest technological safeguards, and will also give you the opportunity to meet other parents who are living with Internet-literate youngsters.

The ChildrenÆs Partnership
This site has two in-depth resources to help parents navigate the online world: The ParentÆs Guide to the Information Superhighway and Parents' Online Resource Center.

Family Guide Book
This colorful site is divided into three ôtraffic lightö sections. The Green Light is for great online hang-outs for children and families; Yellow is for when you need to use extra caution; and Red is for the real online dangers.