Computers are wonderful tools that can open the door to an incredible world of information for our children. But parents should be aware that this door works both ways: There are those out there whose computer networks and on line services serve as a point of entry into your homes and children's lives. Many children can easily gain access to pornography and other adult-oriented sites, even though the accessing of these sites is prohibited to those under the age of 18.

If you have a computer connected to an on-line service, or if your child has access to such a hook-up at the home of a friend or a relative, I urge you to warn your child about the dangers of trusting a stranger they meet in cyberspace. Just because a person appears to be a friendly pen pal, your child's own age does not, in fact, mean that is who is on the other end of that connection.

I am sponsoring a free seminar regarding Child Safety on the Internet at the Garden City Public Library on Monday, Oct. 23, at 7:30 p.m. A speaker from the United States Secret Service will give a presentation on this and other safety/privacy matters on the Internet. I urge anyone with a computer connected to an on-line service or who has a child with access to an on-line service to attend this seminar. If you have any questions or need directions, please contact my community office at 222-0068.

Kemp Hannon

Member of Senate

Sixth District