Imagine a telephone call between you and your best friend. Then think of another call across town, and another, and another. The Internet is like that — it's a connection from one computer to another, with all the computers on the Internet able to join in. This electronic network lets
computers send and receive messages. It's also called:
- cyberspace
- the Information Superhighway
- the Net
The part of the Internet that has words, sounds and pictures is called the World Wide Web. It's part of the Internet where you can visit the White House, talk to an astronaut, visit the Grand Canyon, get homework help and make new friends.
The Information Superhighway is super! And you will be using it more often in the future. That's because the Web is growing and growing. Every day there are hundreds of new places to visit and millions of messages sent and received on the Internet. It's important for you to make smart decisions about where to go online and what infomation to share.
The Internet has changed the way people talk to one another. Now, you can meet anyone, anywhere — and other people can meet you through computers. Cyberspace is like a giant mall or stadium or park; it's a huge public place.
Compare cyberspace to another public space that is closer to home, your neighborhood.
In your neighborhood, your family helps you learn which areas are safe, and what areas to avoid.
In your neighborhood, your family knows most of the people you meet. Together with your parents, you decide on some family rules about being cautious and not talking to strangers.
On the Internet, people can be who they really are, or they can pretend to be people they are not. It's difficult to know who you will meet or what information you may come across. That's why it's a good idea to spend time online with your parents to find Web sites that interest you.
In your neighborhood, you protect your privacy by being careful about what you tell people about yourself or your family.
In cyberspace, you have to do the same thing. Your family can decide how to use the Internet and what you can tell other people about yourself.
The best way to learn about the Internet is to use it. There are many activities you can enjoy. You can:
With e-mail and "kids-only" chat rooms, you can contact people around the world ... or right next door ... in an instant! Your parents probably will want to meet some of your online friends too.
Having a hard time with homework? Want to practice your reading or spelling? The Internet lets you work on your math, science and language arts skills. You also can share some of your short stories or poems, solve puzzles and get homework help from real teachers who volunteer as online tutors. It's a good idea to introduce your parent or teacher to the teachers who offer to help you online.
Are you thinking of a new hobby? Did you hear about some interesting place you might want to visit someday? On the Internet you can visit libraries, read encyclopedias, gather the facts on just about anything. Invite a parent, teacher or other adult to look around the Internet with you. You'll can compare and share interesting Internet sites.
The Internet is the biggest shopping mall you can imagine. It contains hundreds of stores. Visit one, if you want and be sure to take your parent along for your Net Shopping adventures!
Cyberspace is full of fun and games, cartoons, artworks and coloring pages, magazines, and newspapers from other countries. Surf with your parents to find the Web sites that suit you best.
Click here for some very valuable Family-Friendly Internet Tips.
