[Robin]

Growing up in the 1980s I fondly remember watching cartoons Saturday mornings. When I was young, my parents often watched with myself and my brother. This is a tradition I now repeat with my two children.

One thing I have noticed - other than the absence of G.I. Joe and the Smurfs - is how tied into the web the broadcasters of children's shows are now. PBS frequently promotes its http://pbskids.org/ site during its slate of shows that include Barney (which I try to stay away from!), Martha Speaks, Clifford and Curious George. Meanwhile Canadian broadcaster CBC has jumped into the online world in a big way. They have http://www.cbc.ca/kids/ and a special preschool section (http://www.cbc.ca/kidscbc/). They have also launched a subscription-based service (www.KidsCBCWonderWorld.ca) which features learning activities to help prepare children for school using characters from such CBC shows as Animal Mechanicals and Super Why. As well, CBC has launched a parents' portal (www.cbc.ca/parents).

As I sit there watching with my children (who are both under six), I did have to wonder why there was a lot geared to young children? Are these kids even online?

Well, it might take a while but I might get my answer! On the CBC parents portal, one of their forums asks "Is your preschooler online and if so where do they ask to go? Does your preschooler spent time online? If yes, what does he or she like to do? If no, why not?"

So far only one person has given their opinion. They indicated their preschooler is online and visits the kids sites of CBC and the BBC. They also said their youngster tries to go to the sites an older sibling frequents but becomes frustrated with them.

Maybe CBC is on to something. Perhaps there is a void here and they are trying to fill it. What do you think?

Robin

PGsurfer - a great, free tool to keep your kids safe online

SafeSurfer.org - a fun, safe site for young people

[Uttebrictew]

I would say get him now, then you can grow them out together.. Maybe grab another female while your at it so he doesnt harass the heck out of the one female when they get bigger.

[cedeWouh73]

I honestly think we should call police when we see things like this as well. It could prevent something tragic. Maybe the parents need to have their kids brought home in a squad car and get a warning to learn a lesson. Better that then to have their kids kidnapped, murdered or worse.

Laura