It is common knowledge that kids these days are some of the most techno-savvy people around. However, they are still children and need adult guidance. Here are some tips for computer owners with children.

	Internet Safety and Courtesy
	1.   Children should not reveal their identity, phone, or address to any individual or company on the Internet. Remember there are people with strange ideas who prey on children in chat rooms or through instant messages and e-mail. 2.   Ask your children to show you any messages they receive that seem inappropriate or scary. It is very important that they show you any and all messages that contain invitations from individuals on the Internet. 3.   If you suspect illegal or inappropriate activity, take action to curb it. Forward messages containing suspicious invitations, indiscretions, or illegal activity to the Postmaster of the sender's Internet Service Provider by writing to postmaster@______._____, for example, postmaster@aol.com or postmaster@erols.com. Send comments from a chat room with the user's screen name in a message to the postmaster of your Internet Service Provider. Report the activity to your local police department using the non-emergency number (located in the front of your phone book). Let your children help stop these crimes by giving them the non-emergency number for the local police department and telling them to report suspicious activity if you are not available. 4.   And finally, stress to your children that inappropriate language is not acceptable on the Internet or in chat rooms. Decency is the key.

	Viruses
	1.   Use a virus protection package such as McAfee or Norton Antivirus. 2.   Talk to your children about viruses. 3.   The main sources of viruses are previously used floppy disks and files downloaded while on-line. 4.   Viruses can cause your computer to act strangely, can erase important information, and even make your computer stop working. 5.   Warn your children about viruses that they could get through floppy disks from other kids or from school. 6.   Purchase your own disks for children to transport data to school. (You can get these at large computer stores, office supply stores, and many other places. Check Costco, too.)

	Basic Computer Consideration
	1.   Teach your children how to turn the computer on and off properly. 2.   No drinks should be allowed near the computer. Spills could damage expensive parts.

 

	Software
	1.   Have your children ask you to approve the software they want to load before they install it. 2.   Purchase software from a reputable store and not off the street. 3.   See "Consumer Tech" in The Washington Post for reviews of new software.

	Computer Usage
	1.   You may need to set restrictions on the amount of time your child can play on the computer or spend on the Internet. 2.   If you don't have unlimited service, make sure your children know they need to limit their time on the Internet to avoid additional charges.

	And now the fun part...
	Let your children know that there are certain areas on the Internet set up just for them. Here are a few they'll want to check out. 1.   http://www.mamamedia.com Their goal is to help you and your child use the Internet creatively and constructively for learning. You'll find: More than 2,000 safe and kid-friendly websites hand-picked by their editors. Close to 100 replayable, original and visually stimulating activities. Digital tools that let kids create their own stories and plays, artwork and characters. 2.   Yahooligans -- Yahoo's searchable, browsable index of the Internet is designed for Web surfers ages 7 to 12. Find it at http://www.yahooligans.com. 3.   Kids Only AOL's channel for young members has everything from computer "how to" tips for children to homework help and games.