Web-Based Product Helps Parents Protect Kids (NAPSA)}—If your children surf the Web, odds are you've got a lot to talk about. Nearly halfofall kids (47 percent) admit to looking up or read- ing about “touchy” subjects online, but far fewer (35 percent) have spoken with their parents about them. Experts say that communica- tion gap could leave kids and parents at a loss, according to the Norton Online Living Family Survey. In fact, as more youngsters lead online lives, family advocates say it’s increasingly important. for parents to not only monitor their A new Web-based product could help keep young surfers safe and connected to parents. surfing, but also to talk with their children about their virtual world, to do so. Parents can then use the and other real-world issues. Teachable Moments point for a conversation about just as they would discuss school Now a new Web-based product could help parents dojust that. It sends customized e-mail alerts when a child breaks a parent’s preset rule for the Net, helping moms and dads identify “teachable moments” when they can talk with their children about online behavior. Called OnlineFam e-mail to gain insight into their child’s Web life and as a starting safely communicating online. * Lines Of Communication— Building trust with kids is key to keeping the lines of communication open. The product does not have a “stealth” mode, which means kids always know whentheserviceis on, just likethey always know what the “house rules” are. Plus, the product. provides built-in messaging that ily.Norton,it’s free from Symantec lets kids send information to their “Parents talk to their kids about. they've attempted to visit a blocked at, www.onlinefamily.norton.com. what's appropriate behavior in the real world; it’s time to do the same online. The idea isn’t to spy, it’s to have a conversation about what parents about their intentions if site. “It’s all about communicating with one another,” says Merritt. Valuable Insight Since its launch, Merritt says they're actually doing online,” says the security service has provided advocate. Sheoffers these tips: teachable moments. These mo- and explain to your children what type of Web content and behavior research from the Norton Online Marian Merritt, an Internet safety * Set House Rules—Set rules are and are not appropriate. If you need some guidance, the Norton product automatically creates ageappropriate settings for each parents with more than 90 million ments are opportunities that parents are craving—according to Living Family Survey, moms and dads are more concerned about Internet threats than even the threat of drugs. Soif you're conchild—all of which parents can eas- cerned about finding a timeto talk ily change. with your kids about onlinesafety, * Seize Opportunities—If Online Family.Norton canhelp. house rules forbid a child from sending IMsto strangers, the product will send an alert if he attempts For more information or to use the product for free, visit www.online family.norton.com.
