Children are an integral part of our online community. One day the Internet will play as central a role in our children's lives as the television or telephone - and will be even more valuable. So being online and learning new communication skills are essential for today's children. Working together, we can make the online environment a safe and rewarding experience for children. This page provides you with three easy steps to get started and to become "Net Wise"!

1. Take advantage of filtering tools
Filtering software like CyberPatrol, NetNanny, and SurfWatch can help keep children from inappropriate online areas. Like the rest of the world, the Internet may contain some material that is inappropriate for young audiences. There are a number of ways you can control what your child can see and do online.

You can learn more about filtering options by reviewing GetNetWise | Tools for Families.

If you are an AOL member, click here to learn more about AOL's Parental Controls.

2. Teach your children about online safety and privacy.
To help keep your child navigate safely in cyberspace, we recommend you:

Do your homework: GetNetWise is a website that includes easy-to-understand tools and information to help families have a rewarding and safe online experience. To learn more, go to GetNetWise.org.

Review online safety tips with your kids: Safe Surfin'

Take the DRIVERS CHALLENGE with your children.

Request a free Safe Surfin' video at Safe Surfin'. The Safe Surfin' video, developed in partnership with the National School Boards Association, features online safety tips for kids from some of the younger generation's favorite celebrities.

Explore the Safe Surfin' website with your kids.

Visit the Federal Trade Commission's Kidz Privacy website to learn more about children's online privacy.

3. Get to know your children's online world
Spend time with your children when they go online. The more involved you are with your children's online activities, the easier it will be to set limits that are appropriate. Filtering tools are a great way to tailor your child's online experience, but there is no substitute for parental involvement online.

As parents, you should get to know your children's online friends and their favorite online areas, just as you know their neighborhood friends and what they watch on television. In the end, there's no better safeguard than parental supervision.