Hi there,

My name is Bob Kernen. I'm the guy at WebTV Networks responsible for providing quality entertainment and information for kids . I guess you could say I'm sort of the resident camp counselor. Remember Morty from "Meatballs"? I'm nothing like him. Actually, I really enjoy working with kids and any of my co-workers will tell you I'm a bit of a kid at heart anyway (How many guys have a slot car race track in their office?). I really have one of the most fun jobs at WebTV Networks.

We've been working hard at making the WebTV Network as much fun for kids as it is for grown-ups. After all, they're the ones who really get all this high-tech stuff anyway, right? But, we haven't forgotten the 'rents (kidspeak for parents), and the things that concern you about turning your babies loose on the Web. That's why we give you two options for keeping your kids safe on the Internet.

For older kids, we have SurfWatch, a special filtering system that prevents them from getting access to inappropriate material. They can surf the Web just like grown-ups, but you can be sure that they won't be getting into trouble. To get SurfWatch for your child, just Add a User in the Setup menu giving your child their own account (no extra charge). When you come to filtering options, select SurfWatch.

For younger kids, we've created Kid-friendly, a special place just for kids aged 5-11. Not only have we screened every site for content, but we've pulled all the great stuff for kids on the Web into one, easy-to-access location. From their very own Kids' Home Page, your child will be able to explore the Net safely without having to wade through all that "yucky, boring grown-up stuff." To get Kid-friendly, just Add a User in the Setup menu, and when you come to filtering options, select Kid-friendly.

Now that your youngster is happily surfing the Net, you can be confident that they won't be able to get in trouble. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't be involved in your child's online adventures. Ask them about the places they've visited and who they're emailing. They'll be happy to share their experiences with you, and you might learn a thing or two at the same time. Try surfing together. I think you'll find it a great way to spend some of that elusive "quality time" with your children.

For more tips on safe surfing, writer Larry Magid and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children have put together an excellent guide to keeping your kids safe online.

Our Explore directory has a special Kids Club area that will point your children to great sites all over the Web. They'll be able to amuse themselves with online games, find their favorite TV shows and even get help with that book report or science project. We've partnered with PBS Online to feature their terrific new Web site which includes info on your kids' favorite shows, activities and the chance to talk back to the P-Pals. GirlTech is a favorite among girls, with lots of stuff that's for "girls only!" And MaMaMedia helps kids talk to kids with Kids Pick Their Favorite Websites.

We always like hearing from our members (parents and kids) about what they'd like to see on the WebTV Network, so feel free to email us your suggestions. You'll see lots of great new stuff coming to the WebTV Network for kids in the coming months, so stay tuned.

   Bob Kernen
   Kids Content Editor