Implications for parents and guardians

Use cyberspace with your children

The Internet is not a fad, and will replace the telephone as the dominant means of communication in most relationships while people are unable to be within physical earshot. Learn to use this medium - it's tremendously useful, and fun, once you get over the first few hurdles. At least by the time your children grow up and leave home it will be essential in order to keep in touch. The moment your children get online, get online too.

Don't be afraid to learn from your children

They learn so quickly, so have them teach you; and it's fun too.

Be aware of the potential for deception and depravity

Although most of the people who provide content on the web are either commercial or 'innocent', the web can also be used for some of the 'sick' purposes discussed earlier. There is a huge free-speech culture, and in the US provided you are not an anti-abortionist, it seems that you can post anything you like.

Develop some safety rules

The following set of rules for children is based on the suggestions from the excellent organization childnet (http://www.childnet-int.org):

• Always tell a parent or adult if you come across bad language or distasteful pictures or find material which is scary or threatening.
• Always keep your personal details safe and never give out your name, address, phone number or school's name.
• Only agree to meet someone you have met in cyberspace once you have your parent's/carer's permission, and then only when they can be present.
• Take care when chatting to people in a chat room or through email. Never hang around if someone makes you feel uncomfortable or worried.
  
• Consider investing in a filter or control tool

Software is available which can restrict your child's access to potentially unsuitable material. Remember that such software is no substitute for parental involvement.

Stick to the positive

In the same way that you look out for good books or good TV programmes for your children, look out for quality web sites that are specifically written for children.

Know who else to report to

If you come across harmful or illegal material make sure you report it. You can find out about hotlines at www.childnet-int.org/hotlines/