Whether it’s through a computer or a so-called smart phone, most kids can send and receive all sorts of information and images — from class assignments to porn. They can do research and exchange information about every imaginable topic, and that includes making bombs and committing suicide.

We may be able to delay or even prevent certain usages, but ultimately it’s a battle that can’t be won by telling kids what they can’t do. Whether they want it or not, we have to teach them what they can and should do and provide them with continual guidance and supervision so they avoid dangerous strangers, unsavory material, and doing stupid things that can blemish their reputations and expose them to ridicule and humiliation.

Where do they go? Every month more than 9 million teens (ages 12-17) visit YouTube, a place where they or anyone can post or view an endless array of videos. On average, they spend more than two hours per month viewing 74 videos.

Five and a half million teens use the social media site Facebook every month, and every month tens of thousands of new users join them. MySpace, the other social media giant, is almost as popular.

The majority of these young people spend time on either Facebook or MySpace every day. And there are tens of thousands of other websites hoping to attract your teen. It’s no surprise, but boys like sports and playing games while girls are more likely to visit celebrity and gossip sites.

Your next step: Spend some time soon asking your kids what they are up to online and have them teach you what they know.