Talk to Your Children about the Internet

Like any other danger, the Internet is less threatening if you have an open and frank discussion with your children about the perils they can encounter online. Approach this subject head-on; you can't pussyfoot around it. You did not mince words when you warned your kids not to get into a stranger's car - use the same approach to warn your kids about the Internet.

Be aware that just because you have a definition in your own mind about terms like pornography, hate crimes, child molesters, bomb-making, violent games, and so on (sorry, but those are some of the dangers on the Internet), your kids may not have a clearly defined notion of their meanings. Depending on the kids' ages, you have to decide what explanations and terminology are appropriate for them. But the bottom line is, you must discuss these issues.