Although surfing the “web,” or “net” can be fun and informative, there are also dangers that we should all know about:

People are not always who they say they are when online. You can't see the person, or talk to them, so what they tell you over the Internet is all you know about them. And they are not always telling the truth.

What you read on the Internet may not always be true. People can write whatever they want on the web, and no one will know if they are making it up. So don't believe everything you read on the Internet.

If you give out certain information on the Internet, like your name, age or address, anybody can then find this information. Be careful with what you tell others about yourself when you are online.

There are some bad things that people say or show on the Internet. If you ever see or read something that makes you uncomfortable, tell your parents immediately.

For some safe web sites to use for searching the Internet, or for more information on being safe while using the Internet, click on one of these links:

Ask Jeeves Kids
Ask questions and get answers and links to sites that are appropriate for kids.

Berit's Best Sites for Children
Popular Internet sites for children on a variety of topics.

Cyberteens
A site just for teens, including a directory of web sites, organized by topic.

Cyber Patrol's Cyber Guide
Internet search engine.

Dewey Browse
Internet sites for grades K-12, organized by the Dewey classification system.

KidGrid
A list by subject of safe sites for children. Also includes a list of sites designed for pre-schoolers.

KidsClick!
A site developed by librarians to help kids search the Internet safely.

Kids Domain Safe Surfing
Pointers on how to safely search the Internet

Pandia Kids and Teens
Directory of web sites and search engines for teens.

Safekids.com
Tips for having a fun, safe, experience on the Internet.

SafeTeens.Com
Tips for handling online dangers and information on being safe while using the Internet.

Yahooligans!
Yahooligans! is the kid-safe search engine from Yahoo. The sites are directed to kids age 7-12.

Safe Surfing Information for Parents Only

Yahooligans Parent's Guide
Information and links on ensuring your child is safely using the Internet. Includes a quiz for you kids and many links to other sites about online safety.

Cyberangels
This is a group of volunteers dedicated to online safety. Includes a quiz for kids about online safety.

Get Net Wise
A public service site providing a variety of resources and suggestions to help families have educational, entertaining and safe online experiences.

Parent's Guide to the Internet
A U.S. Department of Education site describing the “information superhighway” and tips for safe traveling.

SafeTeens.Com
Designed for teenagers, this site encourages teens to think about online dangers and safety.

Safekids.com
Tips, advice and suggestions for your family to have a safe experience online. Guidelines for parents on setting rules for online safety.

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
General information and rules for online safety.

The Children's Partnership
Information and links for safely searching the Internet with your children.

Smartparent.com
Links to parent and child-friendly sites, filtering software information, agencies and organizations focused on Internet related issues.