Parents' Guide to Wikipedia.org

Parents need to know that Wikipedia entries are compiled by users -- not an editorial staff. It's a constantly evolving collaborative encyclopedia and kids use it all the time to do research. The site employs no age filters. Kids who roam through the site can research anything from Galilleo to graphic sexual practices. Searches may return great information or words or images that are not for kids under any circumstances. That said, most kids are asked to use this resource for schoolwork. The most important thing kids have to realize is that even though many people look at entries, that doesn't guarantee that what they see is accurate. Kids must be encouraged to think critically about what they read and double check facts and sources if they are using anything for a homework assignment. While the millions of topics include many well-researched, kid-friendly entries, Wikipedia also has some material that is absolutely not appropriate for kids. The site does monitor the material posted, but it's just so enormous that the potential for kids to stumble upon age-inappropriate -- or inaccurate -- text and photos exists. Entries can also include links to outside sites, and kids can post and receive unedited messages in the discussion areas. Mostly, kids start surfing through the site and travel as their interests dictate. That said, some of those "interests" can be "TMI" for kids.