Original URL: http://life.familyeducation.com/press-release/internet-safety/52452.html

Parent Guide to Online Abbreviations & Child Internet Warning Signs Available From FamilyEducation

Boston, MA August 1, 2007 -- When parents look at what their kids say in 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 dangerous situations, 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 text messages with their thumbs on a cell phone faster than their parents can type on a keyboard. With this increased use of text-based communications, a new lingo of online abbreviations and acronyms has developed," said Jess M. Brallier, publisher, FamilyEducation. "We developed this Web guide of common abbreviations so parents can stay informed while allowing their kids to use these popular forms of communication."

The Online Web Guide for Parents also explains chat abbreviations and acronyms that may be warning signs that kids are chatting with strangers online. A list of "Instant Message Warning Signs" will help alert parents when their child might be chatting with a stranger online or engaging in other potentially dangerous online activities.

FamilyEducation also offers a variety of other Internet parenting advice to help parents ensure their kids are safe in cyberspace, including articles on why kids love instant messaging and chat, and tips for managing child Internet use, such as a Parent/Child Online Agreement, designed to teach children Internet awareness. Articles on the parenting site provide strategies for teaching kids how to stay safe in online chat rooms and give advice on ways to manage home Internet use. For example, recommended online safety rules include setting time limits for kids' Internet use and reminding them never to give out personal information to someone they meet on 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 so they can raise healthy, educated and well-rounded children.

FamilyEducation is part of Pearson, the world's largest integrated education company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.