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Human and Computer Web-Sitters The World Wide Web is an impressive and valuable resource. However, not all the information it contains is suitable for young navigators of its vast highways. Concern about children wandering into adults-only Web pages has led to the creation of blocking devices, or "Web-sitters." These products are designed to restrict children from gaining access to inappropriate sites, and are available for commercial purchase or as a service from Internet access providers. While these tools may sound wonderful, it's important to recognize their limitations. For example, programs that function on the basis of off-limit lists (blocking access to the sites included on their lists) must constantly be updated to take into account the ever-expanding plethora of Web pages. On the other hand, programs that block web sites according to content by using the "key word" method will tend to restrict too many sites. If you block sites containing the keyword "breast," you will also block sites containing information about breast feeding and breast health. Software designed to regulate your child's Internet usage can certainly be helpful, but it's not a perfect solution.

Solutions So, what is a parent or caregiver to do? The best bet is to educate children about the Internet's proper use and perhaps supervise their play. This is a good time for a lesson in "Superhighway smarts, " a term that is popping up on more and more Web sites that address safe ways for children to use the Internet. "Superhighway smarts" are not much different from the "street smarts" many parents already teach their kids: "Don't talk to strangers" is updated to "Don't give out personal information." (One of the great advantages of the Internet, after all, is our ability to communicate with others, but sharing does not have to include exchanges of phone numbers and addresses.) Similarly, "Look before you cross the street" and "Be aware of your surroundings" can be cyber-translated to "Know what kinds of web-sites are off limits." In addition, increased public awareness and President Clinton's call for the development of a more "family-friendly Internet" are leading to the creation of voluntary Internet rating systems that will make it easier to guide children. Parents can also turn to organizations like Netparents.org/Resources for Internet Parents, whose web-site is filled with information and advice. Educating children about the Internet is vital because they are so very adept at using it. In fact, kids are often the ones teaching their caregivers how to develop computer skills. Why not take advantage of their knowledge and learn together? Let your children teach you how to use the Internet. In return, you can teach them how to use it wisely and, in doing so, demonstrate that we should all be Ready To Learn. Ghena M. Glijansky Ghena was an intern with WHYY. She majored in anthropology at Haverford College.