The Internet has its share of perils. You can help your kids stay safe online and steer clear of the dark alleys of the Internet by setting clear and concise rules and maintaining a frank and open dialogue about their activities and experiences.

A survey of parents and their teenage children conducted in Québec in April 2007 by Léger Marketing sounds some alarm bells:

  • Teens have experienced dangerous situations more often than their parents realize. Examples include being asked for personal information, sending a stranger a photo, and agreeing to meet online acquaintances in real life.
  • 43% of parents say they don’t regularly discuss the rules for Internet use in the home with their teenage children.
  • Most parents say they have told their teenage children about the rules for Internet use in the home and discussed the rules with them, but a smaller percentage of teens say that such rules have been established.
  • Parents underestimate their kids’ use of webcams with strangers.

To find out more about the most serious Internet dangers, click on the links below:

When you know about the dangers, you can protect yourself. If you need help about a problem related to the Internet, see the Tips or the Resources sections.