It's hard enough for mothers and fathers to feel entirely secure when they can lock the door against the threats from outside, but how can you fend off an attacker you can't see?

That is the parent's-eye view of online predators, who, according to national research, make sexual overtures to one in seven youths.

Fortunately, increased resources have enabled law enforcement to provide some oversight of the "dark alleys" on the Web, which turn out to be the popular sites frequented by kids. The Hawai'i Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force has prosecuted 14 cases so far, although none has gone to trial.

Its leaders are pressing for an expansion of this effort and are considering ways to harden the penalties, as they should.

But the fact remains that there's no way law enforcement alone can provide an adequate shield. Families have a critical role to play.

Congress this week declared June as National Internet Safety Month, which makes it an opportune time for parents to learn about the issue.

Although, overwhelmingly, the victims of online exploitation are teens, tutorials on what to avoid should begin when the kids are younger and parents have their attention.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's site (www.ncmec.org) provides excellent insights.

The bottom line for parents: To reduce the lure of ill-intentioned Web "friends," keep the lines of communication open with kids.