Angeline Khoo

Parents today have a lot to be concerned about. To add to this list is the worry of what their children are doing on the Internet. This book highlights some of the problems, risks and dangers on the Internet. It is not written with the aim of worrying parents, but to help them communicate better with their children on Internet safety issues. It is possible that our Net-savvy children may have more knowledge, but they may lack wisdom regarding the use of what they have learned. They may have more experience, but lack the maturity and discernment to make good decisions. So, parents continue to play an important role in their children's upbringing. But this is not an easy role. What parents learned from their parents about parenting no longer applies in this digital era. The authors hope that as parents become better acquainted with such issues as protection of privacy, Internet pornography, chat rooms, cybersex and sexual predators, and digital gaming and addiction, they can better converse and discuss these issues with their children. This way, they can not only offer guidance, but learn from their children. What Do I Say to My Net-Savvy Kids? Internet Safety Issues for Parents begins by arguing that there is a need to be concerned and that our children can be vulnerable. At the same time, the book § explains why the Internet is so important in the lives of our children; § offers general advice on parenting on the Internet from a developmental perspective that can help bridge the "digital divide" between Net-savvy kids and clueless parents; § highlights issues of concern - beginning with the misuse of information and privacy; § focuses on some risks regarding online relationships and continues to discuss sexuality issues such as pornography and cybersex; § presents the attractiveness as well as addictive and aggressive tendencies in digital gaming, which is an integral part in the lives of many children and teenagers; § concludes with a discussion on cyber crimes and Internet laws, and summarizes with tips on Internet parenting; and § gives a list of resources where parents can turn to for help.

Matthew, like other young children, loves to play outdoors. But when the region's annual haze-pollutive smog at its worst-comes around, Matthew is forced to stay indoors. Ever curious, he asks, "Why can't I see the sky?" In this delightful children's story, Wind blames the burning Trees in the forests. Trees, in turn, blame the tinderbox-like Peat soil, which in turn points the finger at Man, who says he needs fertile soil to grow his crops. Finally, Matthew asks, "How can we get back clearer days?" The included suggested questions enable adults to use the storyline to help children find out more and to appreciate the urgency of sustaining this precious Earth. One reviewer says (Ms Felicia Choon, a primary school teacher), "I wished that the children who read this book can be empowered with the knowledge that they make a difference in their own small ways. If I were to read this book in class, it would definitely pathed its way into a lengthy discussion on what we can do here to help with the situation there." This is the third book in the Matthew series. The other two, also published by Partridge, are "Matthew and the Thirsty Sun" and "Matthew's Stacking Cups."