`Rules of the Road'

The Internet's advantages as a learning tool far outweigh thepotential for danger, said Pete Banks, of the National Center forMissing and Exploited Children. "But parents need to monitor andregulate Internet use just like any other activity."

How much time children spend online and where they spend itshould be agreed upon in advance, Banks says.

Here are some of the center's other suggested "Rules of theRoad" for children on the Internet:Never give out personal information such as addresses or telephonenumbers.Tell parents right away if you see anything that makes youuncomfortable.Never agree to meet online acquaintances without first checkingwith parents.Never send anyone your picture without first checking with parents.Do not respond to any messages that are mean or make you feeluncomfortable.