The Internet helps children improve reading skills, access libraries and even do a bit of digging around in cyber-world for their homework.

Though it can be a rewarding, fun experience, the web can be just as scary - just as you wouldn't want to surf the ocean without knowing how to swim.

It is important to know what you should do and what you should not while surfing.

E-mail safety

* Do not open e-mails or attachments from people you don't know. If it looks even slightly suspicious or odd don't open it, delete it right away.

* It may well contain a virus that could ruin your computer.

* Get your parents to install the latest anti-virus software and remember one of the worst viruses that hit the internet was called Pokeman.

* As in real life, do not talk to strangers online. They may not really be what they say they are.

* Never give your name, telephone number, home address or any such details to a stranger on the Internet.

* Stick to your parents' advice and don't surf where they ask you not to.

* There is a reason why they're telling you not to go there - because the content on those sites could be harmful to you.

* Another very important thing to keep in mind always consult your parents before downloading anything.

* Managing your password is another important thing. Your password is meant to be a secret - treat it like a secret your friend tells you.

* While chatting on the net, be careful about the information you give out. A 12-year-old kid online may actually be a 40-year-old man trying to take advantage of you. -------- Child-friendly browsers

* There are several child browsers available, which are colorful and exciting. * The sites also have valuable information on internet safety for everyone. After all isn't it time you made your parents a little more Net savvy?

* In fact the next time your mom asks what you are up to on the computer, take her on a tour of the World Wide Web. Source: NDTV.com