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"Surfing," the "net," "gopher," and the "Web" have nothing to do with water, small animals, or spiders. It is the new language of cyberspace. Your children are learning about it in school or from their friends, while references to the Information Highway and the Internet on television may be leaving you feeling lost in space.

A few tips will ease your fears and allow you and your child to take advantage of this new technology.

The Internet is a global network of information networks accessible with a computer. Entertainment, education, and information are all at your fingertips. You can visit the world's great libraries, take a college course, play a game, check weather forecasts, and sports scores. Virtually anything you want to know can be found somewhere on the Internet.

This exciting sensation is Worldwide and is not regulated by anyone, which opens the door to some risks. Not all information that appears may be accurate. Also, just as people in person can be rude, obnoxious, and exploitative, the anonymity of the computer allows them to be even more so, if they choose.

Does this mean you shouldn't let your child use the Internet? Of course not; it simply means that you should be on the alert and aware of some of the risks.

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The best way to assure that your children are having a positive online experience is to stay in touch with what they are doing.

• First, have your children show you how to access the Internet.
• Spend time with them when they are online.
• Explore the wide range of information that is available and discuss with them which topics you consider off-limits.
• Keep the lines of communication open so that you can talk to your children, and they will recognize your interest in what they are doing is genuine.
• Monitor the amount of time your children spend with the computer. Excessive use of online services, especially late at night, may signal a potential problem. The same parenting skills that apply to the "real world" also apply while online.
• Set your rules for the use of the Internet.

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Parents who are concerned about their children's use of electronic resources should provide guidance to their children. It is important that you as a parent assume responsibility for your child's online computer use, at home, at school, or in the library. Part of your family rules may be:

• Never give out identifying information such as home address, school name, or telephone number.
• Decide whether you want personal information such as age, marital status, or financial information revealed.
• Never allow your child to arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone via the computer without your approval.
• Never respond to messages that are suggestive, obscene, threatening, or make you or your child uncomfortable.
• If you or your child become aware of the transmission of child pornography, report it to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.
• Remember that people online may not be who they say they are.
• Remember everything you read may not be true.
• Remember that personal computers and online services should not be used as electronic baby-sitters.

Make computer use a family activity. Get to know your child's online friends as well as their other friends.

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(provides kids search engines and databases)

For further information see:

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Talking to your children, setting rules together, keeping aware of computer services offered, will make using the Internet exciting for you and your child. The opportunities to expand one's horizons are great. These are challenging times in which we live. Make the most of them by sharing the online experience with our child.

The Niagara Falls Public Library offers a variety of resources both print and electronic, for all ages. Ask your librarian to help you find more information on parenting skills, family activities, and the Internet.