I have read statistics that only about one-half of one percent of all Internet communications is pornographic. But it doesn't just end with that. There is a big threat in chat rooms. Our children use the Internet to socialize more than we do. It can be very tempting for them to talk to strangers online more than out in public. It feels safer for them. We know it isn't.

I have just started researching this. So, I will start out with some common sense tips to help you protect your child. These common sense tips are just an extension of what you are teaching your children about strangers, telephone etiquette, and television viewing.

1) Know what your kids are doing online. Monitor their online time just as you monitor their television time.

2) Tell them to never give out personal information online. Any information that they wouldn't give to a stranger should not be given online. Such as: phone number, address, last name, name of school, passwords or credit card information.

3) Be cautious of online chat rooms. Allow them only with supervision. Anything goes in the chat rooms. No one can see who else is in the chat room. You don't even know if you are talking to a child or an adult masquerading as a child.

4) Teach your child to come to you if anything ever makes them feel uncomfortable. This could be inappropriate questions or an invitation to a private chat room. Tell your children to never respond to offensive email.