Some filtering software may also help prevent harassment. One of the greatest fears we have as parents regarding cyberspace is that our children will link up with someone who will persuade them to meet in real life and then harm them. It's important that your child realizes that the computer offers a degree of anonymity. Just because an on-line correspondent says he's a handsome 16 year old high school quarterback doesn't mean that he is. Again, the commercial services' monitoring of chat rooms and the use of filtering software can help prevent this.
Children are often able to get around blocking systems and figure out passwords.
People who prey on children on-line are even more sophisticated. However, perhaps the best prevention we can offer is clear guidelines as to what is the safest way to surf the Net. We have compiled a checklist of do's and don't's on the next page for your on-line child. We suggest that you go over the list with your child and then post it beside the computer, with any modifications. Child Find is a national charitable organization that educates and advocates for the protection and rights of children and youth.