Since most online communication is done simply through text, it is very easy to be misunderstood by others. What may come across as a joke or mild sarcasm when spoken may be considered hostile when read in a discussion group or in e-mail. One way to sharpen your online communication skills is by using emoticons.
Emoticons are sets of characters that look like simple facial expressions set on their side.
Newbies newcomers to a Web site are often the targets for flames. If you or your children are flamed while visiting a chat room or discussion board, it s best to ignore the flamer and move on. If a flamer persists, then alert the Webmaster at the site you are visiting. The organization maintains an online safety guide for parents and other caregivers who wish to protect their youngsters from pornography and other inappropriate materials, and to preserve their privacy and safety as they interact with strangers on the Internet. Use the Internet with your kids.