Despite efforts by schools to discipline students and train them in safe and sound Net usage, parents need to get involved. Some tips:

• Consider the placement of computers in your home to make it easier to supervise use.

• Teach kids never to give their personal data, such as where they go to school or live, to people they meet online.

• Instruct kids never to plan a face-to-face meeting with an online acquaintance, and to notify you if they're approached for a meeting. If a meeting is arranged, it should be in a public spot.

• Establish clear ground rules for internet use. Consider signing a contract with your kids that reflects those rules. Remind students to know and follow school rules for email and network use.

• Learn about parental-control tools and protective software and decide which, if any, to use.

• Tell your children not to respond if they receive offensive or dangerous e-mail, chat requests or other communications, and to leave if they go to a Web site that makes them uncomfortable. Also, tell them to show you anything they receive that makes them uncomfortable.

• If you're worried that your child or any child is in danger, don't hesitate to contact the police.

Source: Safekids.com and the Internet Education Foundation's GetNetWise.com