We call on crossing guards and police officers to help keep our kids safe on the streets, but our main line of defense is the family.

Kids are taught to look both ways when they cross the street and to wear seat belts when riding in cars. Very young children are not even allowed on the street unless we’re holding their hand. Most of the time things work out for the best because we follow the basic rules of the road.

The same is true when it comes to Internet safety. Congress can pass all the laws it wants and civil-liberties groups can challenge those laws, but regardless of what the government does, it’s up to parents and kids themselves to assure a safe passage while online. › Continue reading…

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) is launching a new Web site to answer parents’ questions about Internet safety and computers. The free service features an interactive knowledge-base where parents can use natural language search to find information. If that’s not enough, there’s an “ask the experts” button that lets parents type in a question which will be answered by e-mail by real-life analysts at the center’s Alexandria, Va., headquarters.

Separately, the organization formerly known as ICRA — Internet Content Rating Association — announced on Tuesday that it’s re-launching itself as the Family Online Safety Institute, a Washington and London-based think tank to promote research and discussion about keeping kids safe online. › Continue reading…

by Larry Magid

Most of the time I write about gadgets or fun Web sites, but today’s column is about a more serious topic: Keeping your kids safe on the Internet.

While I think that some of the “online predator” dangers have been overstated, there are nevertheless risks that every parent should consider before they let their children or teens surf the Web or even carry a cell phone. No reason to panic, only a tiny number of children each year are victimized by adult predators. › Continue reading…