This VikingNet page contains information for parents which relates to the Internet and the World Wide Web. We all want to keep our children safe and there are tremendous resources on the Web to help us accomplish that goal.

Guest Editorial to the Cadillac News: CAPS, Other Schools Need to Address a New Predator: Online Bullies
By Paul Liabenow, CAPS Superintendent of Schools

A good place to begin is at KinderStart, a web directory with a wide variety of parenting resources. 

About Kids Health -- Health information about children.

Starting Out Right -- Guide to promoting children's reading success.

Cyber Tip Line -- Everything you need to know to keep your kids safe online.

Talking With Kids -- Tips on talking to children about violence and dealing with fears.

Cool Spot -- Young teens place for info on alcohol and resisting peer pressure.

Connect For Kids -- "Guidance for grownups" on youth violence.

Parent Teacher Association -- Children First page with lots of resources.

Preschool Education -- Wealth of information for teachers and parents.

Preschool Playground -- Activities for preschoolers and their parents.

The ABC's of Staying in Touch with your School -- Poster in Adobe PDF format. To see it you'll need the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Wired Safety -- An online watch group and child safety advocate.

Sports Parenting -- Answers questions for parents of young athletes.

Preschool Express -- Activities in a wide range of topics and skills.

First School -- Offers parents links to activities for pre-school children.

Child-Safe Searching on the Web -- Guide about available defense tools, kids' browsers, and filtered search engines.

NetSafeKids.org -- Good advice about protecting children from pornography and sexual predators on the Internet.

Net Smartz -- Animated, 3-D activities that provide fun and interesting approaches to developing safe-surfing habits. Activities for all age groups.

Keeping Kids Safe Online -- Parents Guide to the Information Superhighway.

GetNetWise -- Online safety guide and tools for families.

Internet Public Library For Youth -- Information and resources tailored for young people.

Common Sense Media. Entertainment reviews for parents. Rates movies and other media so parents can make informed decisions about what their children should watch. 

Cybersavvy. Site detailing online safety and appropriate use of the Web for students.

Start Squad is a selection of age-appropriate websites selected by librarians.

Surf Monkey is a browser product that has built-in web filtering by SurfWatch. This may be a good alternative to Netscape and IE for parents with elementary age children. The full service carries a fee, but you may find it's is money well spent because sites are continually rated and filtered.

CYBER SAFE – Teaches kids how to be safe on the Internet. Shows parents the laws and their rights.

CYBER BULLY -- Site focuses on cyberbullying (the sending or posting of cruel text or images). Presented by the Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use.