The Internet. Web sites. E-mail. Chat rooms. E-commerce. Search engines. The world wide web. Just a few short years ago, these words didn’t exist. Today they are part of a new vocabulary, indeed, a new reality, an information superhighway called the Internet. The Internet has changed our world—forever. For the first time in history, we have immediate access to infor-mation on every possible subject—in an instant, with just the click of a mouse. 

The Internet has become the single greatest resource for news, information and communication ever created. For children, it is a powerful educational tool. For adults, it is a resource that helps improve the quality of life. For families, it is a wonderful way to stay in touch.

The Internet is here to stay. But as with every new technology, the Internet is a double-edged sword, full of new possibilities, but also new dangers and concerns.

If something exists in the world, it exists on the Internet. And that’s the problem. Intentionally or unintentionally, you or anyone in your family can access web sites containing: On the Internet, there are no laws. No barriers. No limits. No restrictions. Anyone who wants to be on the web can be. On the Internet, anything goes.

The content on these web sites is shocking, and once children are exposed to this kind of material, it can never be erased from their minds. Pornographic sites showcase explicit and obscene photos. Racist sites preach hatred and intolerance. There are sites that depict torture, mutilation and death, sites that show how to make bombs or manufacture illegal substances. 

On the Internet, there are no laws. No barriers. No limits. No restrictions. Anyone who wants to be on the web can be. On the Internet, anything goes. The content on these web sites is shocking, and once children are exposed to this kind of material, it can never be erased from their minds. Pornographic sites showcase explicit and obscene photos. Racist sites preach hatred and intolerance. There are sites that depict torture, mutilation and death, sites that show how to make bombs or manufacture illegal substances. Pedophiles use chat rooms to find their next victim.

Most people would never think of getting involved with pornography, violence, racism, gambling or crime. But the Internet brings with it a new addictive power. Here’s why.

The Internet is private. Anonymity also gives a person a feeling of security. They believe they will never be caught, and therefore, no harm is being done.

The Internet is cheap. For a small monthly fee, a person can have unlimited access to sites that can feed their addiction.

The Internet is convenient. Children are especially vulnerable. Kids love to explore the Internet. It feeds their innate curiosity. Unlike many of their parents, they’re comfortable with computers, so they spend more time on the Internet.

Tips for maintaining a safe Internet environment.