Welcome to SafeKids.Com,
I put this site together to help kids have a productive and fun time on the Internet. And there is also plenty of advice for parents, teachers, librarians, community leaders, law enforcement and anyone else who works with kids.
I've been a big fan of the Internet and online communications since the early days of the PC. I have two children myself and truly believe that the Internet is a healthy, productive place for kids.
In 1994, long before most people were thinking about Internet safety issues, I wrote Child Safety on the Information Highway for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. At that time, there were two extreme views on child safety. Some thought that the Internet was a dangerous place which kids should avoid. Others had a Pollyanna attitude about child safety on the Internet, acting as if there were no problems at all.
The truth, of course, lies in the middle. Like any aspect of society, the Internet does pose some concerns for children. But, just as we learn to be "street smart" in cities and towns, we can greatly minimize any danger by teaching our kids to be "Net Smart" on the Internet. And that's exactly what you'll learn here at SafeKids.Com.
Of course, there is a lot more than just safety to think about. The most important thing you can do on the Internet is to use it. Parents and kids should get to know as much as they can about the Internet. The more comfortable you are with the Net, the safer and friendlier it will be.
So, return to the home page and check out the safety advice. But don't stop there. There are plenty of links to great places on the Internet. Explore them and come back for more. I'm sure you'll enjoy the ride.
Sincerely,
Lawrence J. Magid
Editor-in-Chief
