Parent Guide to Online Abbreviations & Child Internet Warning Signs Available From FamilyEducation
Boston, MA August 1, 2007 -- When parents look at what their kids sayin text messages, emails and chat rooms, they may think their kids are writing in a foreign language. To help parents decipher what their kids are saying online and identify warning signs of potentially dangeroussituations, FamilyEducation has launched "
A Parent's Guide to Understanding Online Acronyms." This Web guide for parents includes a free online dictionary of more than 100 of the most popular online abbreviations that kids are using in instant messages, emails, chat rooms and social networking sites."Kids have mastered the art of online communication, often typing textmessages with their thumbs on a cell phone faster than their parents cantype on a keyboard. With this increased use of text-based communications, anew lingo of online abbreviations and acronyms has developed," said Jess M.Brallier, publisher, FamilyEducation. "We developed this Web guide ofcommon abbreviations so parents can stay informed while allowing their kidsto use these popular forms of communication."The Online Web Guide for Parents also explains chat abbreviations andacronyms that may be warning signs that kids are chatting with strangersonline. A list of "Instant Message Warning Signs" will help alert parentswhen their child might be chatting with a stranger online or engaging inother potentially dangerous online activities.FamilyEducation also offers a variety of other Internet parentingadvice to help parents ensure their kids are safe in cyberspace, includingarticles on why kids love instant messaging and chat, and tips for managingchild Internet use, such as a Parent/Child Online Agreement, designed toteach children Internet awareness. Articles on the parenting site providestrategies for teaching kids how to stay safe in online chat rooms and giveadvice on ways to manage home Internet use. For example, recommended onlinesafety rules include setting time limits for kids' Internet use andreminding them never to give out personal information to someone they meeton the Internet.About FamilyEducation
FamilyEducation ( http://www.FamilyEducation.com) is the leading online publisher of practical parenting guidance, expert family advice,printables, skill-building exercises and activities for children.FamilyEducation.com is dedicated to educating parents and parents-to-be sothey can raise healthy, educated and well-rounded children.FamilyEducation is part of Pearson, the world's largest integratededucation company. Pearson's other primary operations include the FinancialTimes Group and the Penguin Group.