The Internet is a valuable educational tool. The Internet is a great educational tool. Kids can access information about almost anything with just a click of the mouse. Children who do not practice basic Internet safety could expose their parents and themselves to certain risks.

Inappropriate content can be easily overlooked by children. Although chat rooms are known for encouraging Internet predation and pedophiles may also stalk victims via Web sites such as Facebook, pedophiles could also be found on these forums. Many children don’t realize the Internet can be read by anyone. They post their home phone numbers, addresses and full names, as well as the names of their schools.

Bullying can also be a problem on social networking sites. Children might receive demeaning e mails, instant messaging, or text messages from their peers, which could attract no attention from parents, teachers, or even teachers. Children may also download pirated movies or music, as well as computer viruses and spyware.

“The Internet is an important resource for kids, if they know how to use it,” says John Goslin, chief technology officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), a non-profit organization that strives to help young people realize their potential. “Parents need to be aware of the potential dangers and create guidelines to help kids avoid them.”

CA Technologies is the BGCA’s national security partner for information technology. Through its global philanthropy program CA Together IT, CA Technologies helps to keep 56,000 BGCA computers safe. It all starts with security software including anti-virus and anti-spam technology and preventive measures to limit unauthorized usage.

“Software can help prevent viruses, spyware and inappropriate spam messages, and allow parents to monitor and help protect their children online,”George Kafkarkou is the general manager at CA Technologies. “But parental supervision is the best security measure available to kids.”

Parents should be able to see where their children go online, and with whom. It is possible to monitor your children’s online activity by placing computers in a family area. Children should be taught by their parents not to share personal information online, even via sites like Facebook. Parents should also ask them to contact them if they are feeling anxious or uncomfortable.

Visit www.amazon.com for more information www.bgca.org.