Instant Messaging (IM) lets people have live text conversations between individuals, rather than in a public Internet chat room with lots of onlookers. IM also allows you to transfer files between the computers of online friends. You can build up a list of buddies who use the same IM software, adding existing friends or people you meet online. When you are online, the IM system notifies you if any of these friends go online so that you can contact them for a chat. The most common systems are AOL Instant Messenger, MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger and ICQ.

Instant Messaging is NOT an acceptable use of the school or district's technology resources.

Configure to require authorization When your kids register for instant messaging software, sit with them and make sure that their authorization is required before anyone adds them to an IM list. As well, discourage them from filling out the "personal profile" that some programs ask users for-this information is made available to other users, so young people should never use this option.

Know who's on what list. Know who's on your kids' IM lists, and what lists their names are on. Kids should only approve people for their IM lists if they know them in the "real world." Check your child's list regularly to make sure that strangers haven't been added.

Block access to chat rooms Many IM programs offer access to chat rooms where users can talk to strangers. One popular program offers a link to chat rooms right on the opening screen-even if users opted out of the chat option when they registered. To avoid this problem, check your IM program carefully to make sure you can block access to chat rooms; and make sure your kids know that they're off limits.

IM not recommended that young children (under 12). Even if your child's IM program have been configured to accept only messages from people on the contact list, she or he may still receive "spam," or junk mail-even pornographic spam. Use the "Ignore" function to block that sender in future, and report the spam to the service provider. Because this is a frequent problem with some IM programs, it's not recommended that young children use instant messaging.

Configure to require permission before a file can be downloaded Most IM programs offer a file sharing option that allows users to download files to your computer's hard drive. However, serious viruses can be sent to your computer this way. If your child wants to be able to receive files from friends, make sure that the file sharing settings are configured so that you have to give your permission before a file can be downloaded to your computer.

Additional Protections Internet service providers (ISPs) have also developed a variety of tools for protecting your kids online. Most ISPs offer some type of account for children and teens. These accounts limit access to a pre-defined set of kid- friendly services. Many ISPs also employ customized filters designed to prevent children from reaching sites parents deem inappropriate. Check with your ISP to see what services they offer. You'll also find most Web- based email services offer accounts for children. Like children's Internet accounts, these email accounts restrict access to adult email services. To open a child's email account, the service provider usually requires the parent to create a supervisory family account. Some even ask for a parent or guardian's written consent.

For more info, visit these websites:

www.media-awareness.ca/english/parents
www.besafeonline.org
www.microsoft.com/security/articles/childrenonline.asp
www.securitysoft.com/chatroom_dangers.html
www.ccmostwanted.com/kids
kids.getnetwise.org/safetyguide

Thanks to Mari W. Fujii, a Vista Verde parent, for being the primary contributor to this article.