This comes to us from our friends at Prevention Works with some additional input from me.

According to the Center for Media Research, "Most parents in the United States estimate that their children spend about two hours a month on the internet. In reality, kids and teens are spending upwards of 20 hours a month surfing the Web. 41% of US teens claming their parents have no idea what they are looking at online. The most popular online activities are online dating - 23%, social networking - 50% and playing games - 72%."

Facebook and MySpace are two popular Internet sites used by children and adults that have become social getaways to chat, blog, post pictures, join groups and make friends.

With a few clicks of the mouse, people can present their personal information and thoughts for anyone to see. What many people new to the Web do not realize is that there are risks involved and that they need to understand them before they post this kind of information. Teachers, employers, predators and basically anyone who knows how to use the Internet can go online and find information about you. Have you ever done a Google search on yourself or others?

It is important to be aware of the risks of social networking in this cyber world we live and work in. It is important to remember not to post personal information, that no information is truly personal information and anything you post and delete can still be found.

Sure, many social networks have an age verification required, but it is easy to go online and lie about one's identity. Law enforcement agencies now search these social outlets posing as who they are not as a way to catch online predators. They are also, in cases, legally able to obtain passwords and hack into computers. While realistically this is good, be aware that it is easy for anyone with a basic knowledge to steal your password, log in and be you for a day.

Understand, teach and protect. Do each of these to create a safe haven for you and your loved ones. The last thing you want to do is share information with the cyber world that you cannot take back. Also, never allow a minor child to be online when they cannot be monitored non stop.

Warmer weather is finally here and that means our children are going to be moving about outdoors and maybe out of sight from time to time. Included here you will find some ideas on what to share with your children regarding strangers and proper conduct in dealing with them.

1. First of all remind your children that a stranger is "Someone you do not know". Make sure they understand that the person's age, race, gender or appearance have nothing to do with who a stranger is

2. Make sure they understand some strangers are helpers, but also make sure they know how to positively identify those strangers. Here are some "Helpers":

• Police Officers
• Firefighters
• Ambulance workers
• Doctors
• Nurses
• Uniformed Security at the mall, zoo or other such place
• Uniformed workers at various retail establishments noted by their aprons, smocks or matching shirts and the like.

3. Some suggested "Rules" to teach your children as it relates to strangers. Add any others you feel are appropriate.

• Never talk to a stranger (You may consider allowing a simple hello)
• Never take anything from a stranger
• Never go with a stranger
• Never help a stranger search for a lost puppy, kitten or child.

4. Teach them "Run, Yell and Tell"

• "Run" means that you run to a safe place such as a McGruff House,store, trusted neighbor, school, friend, gas station, police car, fire truck, etc.
• "Yell" means that you yell for help while running.
• "Tell" means you tell a a grown up to call the police once you arrive at the nearest safe place.

5. Employ a "Code Word" in your home. This is a word or phrase that only Mom, Dad and the children know. Not even Grandma or Grampa should know that word. That way should you need to send another family member or neighbor to pick the child up from school, day care or any other function; the person picking them up has to give the code word to your child before your child goes with them. Teach your child that no matter who is picking them up, they do not go unless the code word is said.

Please note that providing the code word to the person picking up your child does not preclude contacting staff or others in charge at the place / event the child is being picked up from.

Should the code word have to be used change it immediately, use each code word or phrase only once. You can make it fun by allowing the children to make up the code word.

As always, these are merely suggestions and may not be suitable or appropriate for you and your family and only you can decide that. "Stranger Danger" should be reviewed regularly by improptu verbal questions and proper answers or behaivors need to be positively reinforced.