For many parents like me, just trying to stay on top of our children’s school work, sports teams, chores and friends is a daunting enough task. But when you also have to consider their “cyber” lives in the world of the Internet, it can become overwhelming. In fact, a 2005 Maritz study, commissioned by AOL Canada, found that 74 per cent of children polled spent time online without a parent present to monitor their activities. This is a staggering statistic given increasing reports of online predators and the general ease of access to adult-related content on the Internet.

Understanding that busy parents may not have the time to sit with their children to ensure they have a safe and protected online experience, some Internet service providers are offering solutions to help give parents peace of mind.

AOL Canada, for example, offers KOL (www.aolforkids.ca) – a kid's only Internet world that runs on top of any existing Internet connection and allows children to explore, learn and have fun in a completely protected online environment. Standard safety parameters in the KOL service are easily managed and updated by parents. The service actually monitors online activity through a feature called Guardian, which provides a report of your child’s online activity, such as e-mail correspondence and which web sites have been visited or blocked.

Without close supervision or age-appropriate Internet services, children run the risk of developing dangerous online habits. The key to making these child-friendly online services a success is to provide children with a fun and educational online experience while balancing the needs and concerns of the parent.

The speed of change in the Internet is what makes it so dynamic and fascinating. And while it continues to amaze and educate our children, the Internet also opens the door for others to conduct increasingly sophisticated and sinister activities. While the best defence is being involved in your child’s online activities directly, the reality is that parents need child-friendly online services with built-in controls to help keep children and families safe.

If you are interested in having Karen or another “Net Mom” speak to your community about online safety for kids and families, please email NetMomca@aol.com