Internet safety is fast becoming a common household term. So much about being Safe online is not much different from being safe at the local mall. Dont talk to strangers, dont give people your name and address, Dont use vulgar language, dont be rude and obnoxious, mind your manners, and dont run off with people you dont know. This all sounds so easy, then why is it such a problem?

Many kids, when online, seem to forget all the rules they where ever taught. They feel somewhat invincible and free to say what they want and to whom they want. Kids can become someone else online, the cool kid, the provocative kid, the mean kid, and post pictures of them selves to prove they are this fantasy person. The more they talk online the more at ease they feel, the more comfortable they get in their new online world. In this world they are in control, not their parents. Unfortunately, most parents are not in control when it comes to Internet usage in their Home. Our kids generally have more experience with computers and are very comfortable with them, while most parents are still trying to figure out How to program the VCR our kids are downloading music and creating their own web sites.

Internet safety is very important, and it is time for parents to start realizing it. No, not everyone is in eminent danger or will be approached by a sex offender online. But I guarantee you your teen will be inundated with filth that you would not approve of. Putting the dangers aside for a minute, the first Thing you will notice about these online sites is that the language these kids are using is bad, very bad. So many of these sites use very vulgar and Inappropriate language. How will your kids handle that? Will they be strong enough to remove these kids from their top 8? Maybe its time you create Your own profile, many parents do, just to monitor your kids and more importantly monitor their friends. You can learn a lot about your kid by reading their blogs.

I guess the point I am trying to make is that Internet safety encompasses more than Protecting their personal safety. It encompasses their attitudes online, the way they behave, the language they use, the type of friends they attract and hang with online. Are they sticking to the values you Teach them? Are they enticing the opposite sex with inappropriate language? Are they having conversations with strangers, what type of pictures Have they posted of themselves, what type of pictures have their friends posted? Who is contacting them? This can go on and on but hopefully Parents will start understanding how important it is to monitor what there kids do, where they go, and what they say online.

Sounds strict, to invasive? I tell you what, create an account on myspace. Then do a search for the local schools in your area. Check out some of the sites their. I will guarantee you that you will be shocked by what these kids are saying and doing. No, not all of the sites will be bad, but I bet you will find that 50% or more of the sites you come across will have filthy language andor inappropriate pictures. Your kids will come across these sites also, is this ok with you? are they prepared to deal with it? have you talked with them about what to do when they come across inappropriate material? Are they aware of the dangers -Are you?