RICHMOND -- New guidelines requiring Internet safety education in public schools should help students and parents better protect themselves from online predators and other computer threats, state officials said Monday.

The state Department of Education has developed guidelines to assist public schools in folding Internet safety instruction into the curriculum and protecting students from online dangers. The guidelines were developed in response to legislation passed earlier this year by the General Assembly. Del. William Fralin, R-Roanoke, sponsored the measure.

The department prepared a 43-page manual that contains recommendations and cautions for school administrators, teachers and parents, as well as resources for information about online safety and potential threats to children.

"We're really happy to have this in place," said Lan Neugent, the state assistant superintendent for technology. "We think that it's a great step forward."

The report, which was published last month, contains several pages of Web-based links to sources covering topics such as filtering, instant messaging and identity theft.

The cover has an ominous image of adult-size hands reaching through a computer screen toward a frightened-looking child behind a keyboard.

Fralin said the guidelines will help parents and teachers better safeguard children, who often possess more sophisticated knowledge about computers and the Internet than adults. Fralin, who has three children, said his wife, Karen, came up with the idea for the legislation.

"I don't think my 7-year-old knows more about the Internet than I do, but I know my 11-year-old does," Fralin said at a press conference with Attorney General Bob McDonnell and other state officials.

McDonnell agreed, saying: "Our kids run circles around us in their knowledge of the computer, and, therefore, it's incumbent upon us to give a wake-up call to parents and educators about the need to get involved."

McDonnell said the guidelines amount to "all the new warnings that are required in an Internet age" to safeguard kids. McDonnell has his own task force on Internet safety for youth that is expected to issue recommendations in January.

McDonnell said state officials now face the challenge of putting on a "full-court press" to get the attention of parents.

Bedford County Sheriff Mike Brown, whose department has been a national leader in investigating Internet crimes, said schools can play a major role in helping students and parents understand computer safety.

"You don't have to scare them to death, but you do need to teach them about Internet safety," Brown said. "The Internet is the greatest communications medium we will ever see, but it's got a dark side and it's getting darker."

The report can be found on the Department of Education's Web site.

On the Net: www.doe.virginia.gov