The Web—short for the World Wide Web—is the most popular place for kids to visit on the Internet. A Web site consists of a "page," or a collection of pages, containing text, pictures, links for downloading games, music or software—and, increasingly, sound and video clips. There are literally millions of sites on the Web, which you access using software on your computer called a Web "browser."

• A treasure trove of resources and up-to-date information on almost every conceivable subject
  
  
• A fun and entertaining place to play games, listen to music, watch videos and pursue hobbies
  
  
• The opportunity to create personal Web sites where kids can post their writing, drawings or poetry

However, there is a downside to the Web. Children and teens may encounter:

• Misleading or incorrect information
  
  
• Online hoaxes or scams
  
  
• Threats to privacy from Web sites that solicit personal information
  
  
• Pornography and other sexually explicit material
  
  
• Hate sites containing racist, bigoted or sexist content
  
  
• Promotion of unhealthy or antisocial activities, such as gambling, drinking, taking drugs, or joining cults
  
  
• Information on violent, dangerous or illegal activities, such as how to build a bomb, buy weapons or commit suicide

And the young people themselves may engage in risky activities, including:

• Posting personal information or photos of themselves on their own sites
  
  
• Using Web sites to spread rumours or make threats

Web site safety guidelines

Recognize that despite your best efforts, teens may still access inappropriate content
Even if kids deliberately check out inappropriate Web sites, remember that it's natural for teens to be curious about off-limits material. Don't be too critical. Instead, use the behaviour as an opportunity to discuss the material with them, and to set out your rules for this kind of activity. You could even steer teens in the direction of some good sites on health and sexuality. (To find out where your kids have been online, see Tracking where kids have been on the Internet.)

Teach kids never to give out personal information on a Web site without your permission
If children get used to giving out personal information on commercial Web sites, they may be more willing to give it out in riskier environments. Make a habit of checking out online privacy policies. Those on the better-quality sites should tell you what happens to any personal information they gather—and should state explicitly that the site will never disclose information to a third party.

Teach kids not to steal content on the Web
There are few technological barriers online to "lifting" someone else's software, art or written work—a click of the mouse can reproduce an image or an article for personal use. But real-world laws against copyright infringement still apply on the Internet.

Remind kids to be responsible when creating their own Web sites
Sometimes kids' sense of humour may cross the line into bad taste, or even law-breaking. They may post material they think is funny—such as threats or slanderous remarks—that could trigger expulsion from school or even criminal charges. Parents should be aware of their kids' Web sites, and make sure they don't contain any offensive or illegal content.

Use the resources on the right-hand side to learn how to reduce the risks associated with the Web.