For Parents   

Do your children seem to learn technology at a pace that most adults can never match and quickly make it part of their daily lives?  The internet has become a very valuable learning tool for kids, and a core part of our culture.  Using the internet, your children create blogs, they chat and they IM.  Do you know what those things are?

What's a Blog?

"Blog" is short for "Web log," an online journal or diary with - depending on the blogging service - varying degrees of privacy. Having one is a lot like having your own Web site, only much easier to create and maintain (no techie know-how required), and in most cases it's free. If you can do word-processing or email, you can have a blog. Anyone, regardless of age, can start one just about anywhere there's a computer and an Internet connection (e.g., at home, a friend's house, libraries, etc.).  Some examples of blogging sites include MySpace, Xanga, LiveJournal and Facebook.

What's Chat?

Chat rooms can be found online.  People can create "handles" for themselves and go a chatroom and speak in real time to other people from all over the world.  Many chatrooms are set up with "themes", based on age and interests.  Keep in mind that just because someone presents themselves as a 12 year old girl, doesn't mean they're not a 50 year old man!

What's IM?

IM (instant messaging) are downloaded programs that allow you to send instant messages to individuals or groups.  Examples are AOL Instant Messenger,  Yahoo Instant Messenger, MSN Instant Messenger and ICQ.  A typical teenager may chat with as many as 8 or 10 "buddies" at one sitting.  Make sure your child's profile does not contain any personal information like name, address, phone number, etc.  Check their buddy list to see if they can place a face with each name.  Install filtering software to block inappropriate web sites and chat rooms.  Report any inappropriate messages, photos, or files send to your child to your Internet Service Provider.  Take such incidents seriously!

Guidelines to Remember

• Become computer literate and learn how to block objectionable material.
   
• Keep the computer in a common area, not in individual bedrooms, where you can watch and monitor your child.
   
• Watch for any changes in your child's behavior, such as closing down windows on the computer monitor when you walk in the room, odd phone calls, late night computer usage or withdrawal from family activities.
   
• Share an email account with your child so you can monitor messages.
   
• Bookmark your child's favorite sites for easy access.
   
• Spend time online together to teach your child appropriate online behavior.
   
• Forbid your child from entering private chat rooms; block them with safety features provided by your Internet Service Provider or with special filtering software. Be aware that posting messages to chat rooms reveals your child's email address to others.
   
• Monitor your credit card and phone bills for unfamiliar account charges.
   
• Find out what, if any, online protection is offered by your child's school, after-school center, friends' homes, or any place where he or she could use a computer without your supervision.
   
• Take your child seriously if he or she reports an uncomfortable online exchange and praise your child for their courage in coming and sharing the problem with you.
   
• Forward copies of obscene or threatening messages you or your child receives to your Internet Service Provider.
   
• Call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at (800) 843-5678 if you are aware of the transmission, use, or viewing of child pornography online. Contact your local law enforcement agency or the FBI if your child has received child pornography via the Internet.

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