This week Jackie Burrell wrote a great piece in the Contra Costa Times attempting to calm parents' fears around the internet and present a realistic look at what tweens and teens are doing online. It was funny because a radio reporter called me shortly afterwards for an interview and basically said, "So you think the internet is safe for kids..."

Do I think the internet is benign at that there are no risks to kids and teens online? Of course not! It's a virtual public created from technology and driven by humans and all the good and bad that goes with human nature. So yes, there are people with bad intentions towards tweens and teens online, just as there are tweens and teens with bad intentions towards each other online. Do I think that risk of kids and teens being abducted by a total stranger based on personal information they posted on their MySpace profile has been exaggerated by the media? Yes.

My message is not to ignore the risks or pull the plug, but for parents to continue to engage and be involved in their children's digital lives. That means warning them about talking to strangers online and being aware that some (though it's a relatively small percentage) might pose as teens. It also means talking about how much personal information you are comfortable having your teen post. Phone number and physical address not ok. Slideshow with their friends hanging out ok on a private profile and with permission from everyone in the photos.

I will be a guest expert on this topic over at PBS Parents in June. You can submit your questions now over on the PBS Parents website.

Finally, it was nice to see Totally Wired recommended in Dr. Dellasega's advice column on Philly Women and to discover this review on Boston Mamas!