Not long ago, computers were huge machines that occupied entire rooms. Today's desktop and laptop computers give us our own personal windows to the world. The stunning growth of the Internet has placed knowledge and information at our fingertips. The possibilities for learning and exploring on the Internet are endless. Being able to use technology is fast becoming a requirement for success in today's society. Teaching your child the basic skills of working with computers will provide tools she will need in our changing world.

It is critical that your child have your guidance when learning to use the Internet. Even if your child is an experienced computer user, he needs your involvement, your experience, and your judgment. Although children can use the Internet to tap into the Library of Congress or view pictures of the surface of Mars, not all material on the Internet is appropriate for children. As a parent, you can guide and teach your child in a way that no one else can. Regardless of your technological know-how, you can make sure your child's experience on the Internet is safe, educational, and fun.

What can my child and I find on the Internet?

A computer that is connected to the Internet allows you to turn your home, community center, local library, or school into a place of unlimited information. The Internet can help you and your child do the following:

• Find educational resources, including up-to-the-minute news, important documents, photos, and research.
• Get help with homework through on-line encyclopedias, reference materials, and access to experts.
• Improve computer skills necessary to find information, solve problems, and communicate with others.
• Connect with places around the world to exchange e-mail with on-line pen pals and learn about other countries and cultures.
• Locate parenting information and swap ideas with other families.
• Learn and have fun together by sharing interesting and enjoyable experiences.

As the Internet grows, so does the trend of on-line advertising. Steer your child to non-commercial sites and other places that do not sell products to children. Teach your child to recognize the advertising and marketing of products and services. Encourage your child to think about who created the ads and why they are there. Discuss questions like the following:

• What is the product being advertised?
• How are they trying to get you to buy the product?
• Is there something about the product they are not telling you?

There is an almost unlimited amount of information, products, and services available on the Internet, and it continues to grow. It is important to be aware of the potential risks involved in going on-line. By setting clear rules and using common sense, you can help your child take advantage of the vast resources the Internet offers, while at the same time having fun and staying safe.

Surfing the Net

When you go to the Internet, you may have a specific address in mind or you may browse through the Web, just as you would a library or a catalog. This is often called "surfing the Net." Following are several ways to get around on the Web:

• Using Web addresses. Every Web site has its own unique address. By typing the address in the space provided, your Web browser will take you there. Make sure you type the address exactly as specified.
• Following links. Many sites include hyperlinks to other related sites. By clicking on the highlighted area, you can connect to another Web site without having to type its address.
• Using search engines. Search engines are programs that can enable you to search the Internet using keywords or topics. For example, if you or your child are interested in finding information about Abraham Lincoln, simply click on a search engine and enter his name. A list of several Web sites will come up for you to explore.

Other internet uses

• E-mail - Electronic mail is by far the most popular activity on-line. You and your child can exchange notes with friends and family. Most Internet service providers offer e-mail accounts and allow you to choose your own e-mail address.
• LISTSERV^(R) E-mail Lists - By using e-mail, you can participate in e-mail lists (discussion groups focusing on topics that interest you). Subscribing to an e-mail list allows you to read all messages sent by other members of the group. You can also send your own responses that will be read by everyone else. Most e-mail lists are run by an administrator or moderator.
• Usenet newsgroups - Usenet is a system of thousands of special interest groups that allow people to post messages for anyone else to read. Readers can respond by posting a general message or sending e-mail to the author of an earlier message. Unlike listservs, Usenet groups do not require you to subscribe. Your Internet service provider will let you search for newsgroups that interest you by using keywords (for example, try "parenting").
• A caution about newsgroups: Most newsgroups are not moderated. No one keeps the discussion focused on the topic or has control over inappropriate behavior. Some topics may not be suitable for children.

A word about...chat rooms

Many people visit chat rooms provided by commercial on-line services or IRC servers (Internet Relay Chat). Chat rooms are a way for a number of computer users to communicate with each other in "real time" - they are conversations that are instantly transmitted. For example, if you type a message and send it, it will be seen instantly by everyone else in the chat room and they can respond just as quickly.

Chat rooms can be fun and interesting. However, as in newsgroups, there is usually no supervision. Many people will be rude, mean, offensive, or dishonest. If you allow your child to use chat rooms, insist she follows the rules listed in "Setting Rules for Internet Use." Most importantly, your child should never give out personal information or agree to meet someone she has met in a chat room. Always supervise your child if she visits a chat room, or do not allow access at all. Check with your service provider about blocking chat room use.