Summer is here!  For many of our kids, this means freedom from homework and teachers.  It also means more time to surf the Internet.  While the Web is a great resource that has many interesting, fun and educational sites, it also has dark corners that can expose our children to serious dangers.  The explosive growth of Internet chat rooms increases the chance our kids will be in contact with strangers who mean them harm.

June is Internet Safety month.  Recently, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and Cox Communications released a highly disturbing survey of youth between 13 and 17 years old about their use of the Internet:

• 14 percent of the children questioned have had face-to-face meetings with people they met on the Internet.  Even one teen meeting a stranger is one too many.
• 30 percent said they have considered meeting someone face-to-face who they know only through the Internet.
• 71 percent reported receiving messages online from someone they didn’t know.
• 45 percent said they have been asked for personal information.

Many young people have a false sense of security on the Internet.  They often think that because they use a chat room nickname, people they chat with won’t know who they are.  Not true.  It is easy to find a person’s name, address, school and personal data from that nickname.  It’s our job as parents to educate our children about the risks.  My Web site has a Kids Page (http://www.azag.govhttp://kids.azag.gov) that provides age-appropriate information for young people that will help them use the Internet safely.  On completion of our online, age-appropriate tutorial, your son or daughter can print out a “license” to drive on the information super highway.

Some simple tips for parents:

• Create house rules.  Create simple, easy-to-read house rules about using the Internet and post them on or near the monitor.  Enforce these rules!
• Consider security software for your computers.  Most Internet Service Providers offer security software at no additional charge.
• Create passwords.  Internet accounts should be in a parent’s name, with an adult having the primary screen name, controlling passwords and using blocking and/or filtering devices.
• Don't be afraid to ask.  Ask your children to show you their favorite Web site and chat rooms. Know with whom your children are exchanging e-mails and chatting.
• Understand the lingo.  Instant messaging has its own language – for example, KOL means kiss on lips; A/S/L? means age, sex, location?; P911 means parent approaching; and POS is parent over shoulder.  These are just a few examples of IM shorthand. 
• Stay alert for warning signs.  Be suspicious if your child minimizes the screen when you walk into the room.  Be alert to any indication that your child does not want you to know what’s going on online.

If you are concerned about a disturbing email, you can report it to my office (www.azag.gov) or to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (www.cybertipline.com).

Another useful Web site is www.commonsensemedia.org.  This nonprofit site is dedicated to improving the media and entertainment lives of kids and families.

You can learn much more about Internet Safety on the Attorney General’s Web site (/www.azag.gov/children_family/netsafety.html). 

Have a safe summer!

Terry Goddard