A Journey into Cyberspace

The Internet — good or bad?

Is the Internet good or bad? Both. Despite all the horrific headlines about online isolation, violence, pornography, predators and commercialism, the Internet can be a valuable and entertaining resource if used properly.

Here are some websites that will help you learn more about the problems associated with Internet use by children. These sites will also help you protect your child.

Focus on the Family on Internet Safety — Articles that empower parents to keep their families safe while using today's technologies

Family Safety Initiative — Articles, tools and links from Focus on the Family, to help you keep your kids safe online

The Serious Risks of Cyberspace — What are the dangers facing children on the Internet? This site will help answer that question. Created by Donna Rice Hughes, Internet safety expert and author of Kids Online: Protecting Your Children in Cyberspace

Child Safety on the Information Highway — This is a great place to learn about the basics of child safety on the Internet. It also talks about some guidelines that parents might consider. Created by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

Risks Online — Internet safety concerns are not always the same for a toddler as they are for an older child. This site will help you think about safety concerning different ages. Created by the Internet Education Foundation

Safety Net for the Internet: A Parent's Guide — This is a quick, easy-to-read Internet safety guide for parents. Created by the New York Public Library

Especially for Children and Their Parents — This site offers some good safety suggestions as well as links to kid-friendly search engines and educational sites.

Safe & Smart — Learn key findings about the Internet and children in a study done by the National School Board Foundation.

Internet Filters

The Internet is a wide-open environment where it’s easy to get into trouble.

One thing you can do is use an Internet filter. The National Coalition for the Protection of Children & Families has information that will help you learn more about filters and select one that will work for your family.

Do you have thoughts, questions, advice on this topic? Post your stories and comments in the forum for other parents to respond to. Enter the forum now.

On This Topic

• Introduction • Welcome to the Web! • Internet Basics • Surfing the Web • Searching the Web • Understanding the Language of the Internet • Using Bookmarks and Favorites • Evaluating Websites • Protecting Children on the Internet • Learn & Play on the Web • Virtual Visits • WebQuests • Learning and Homework • Favorite Places for Kids on the Web • Just for Parents • Fun and Games