Netsmartz: The Core of an Internet Safety Plan Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries

Florida Statutes Section (3) (3) All public libraries are encouraged to adopt an Internet safety education program, including the implementation of a computer-based educational program, which has been endorsed by a government- sanctioned law enforcement agency or other reputable public safety advocacy organization and is designed for children and adults. The purpose of the Internet safety education program is to promote the use of prudent online deportment and broaden awareness of online predators. The program must be interactive and age- appropriate. Each library shall annually report to the division the annual number of program participants who complete the Internet safety education program.

5 years ago… The goal was for our library to become an Internet safety resource for parents and families through the use of NetSmartz and a series of special programs.

Why NetSmartz?

NetSmartz objectives for an internet safety program are similar to those of the library. Modules are self-contained, allowing a student to complete a session on their own. Age appropriate. Meaningful. Accurate. Entertaining. FREE

Flexible Programming Allows children to work through the workshop on their own at a single computer. Allows children to work at their own pace but in a group setting. Allows children to participate in a class setting with the material projected onto a screen.

Easily Adapted by Partners Software installed on computers in Hillsborough County and City of Tampa Recreation Centers. Software installed on computers in the media centers of all Hillsborough County Public Schools.

Included in Library Policy Library policy was updated to require that all persons must have a library card in good standing to utilize library computers with Internet access. Library policy was updated to require completion of the NetSmartz Workshop before users under17 years of age are allowed to access the Internet on library computers. This requirement is only waived on the request of parents via a signed authorization form.

Results the First Year As of May 31, 2008 a total of 9,382 children had completed NetSmartz in Hillsborough County public libraries as verified by their library card records in Horizon. A total of 148,181 students completed NetSmartz through the school system in the academic year. Total recorded number of children and teens completing the NetSmartz program through May 2008: 157,563.

Our Program Today

NetSmartz continues to be the core of the THPL Internet Safety program. All students under the age of 17 must complete the NetSmartz Workshop to be allowed access to the Internet on library public computers. The number of students completing the workshop are tracked in Horizon. All incoming 2 nd grade students in Hillsborough County Public Schools are introduced to NetSmartz and the numbers are reported to the library. NetSmartz materials continue to be used for outreach. The Internet Safety program has been expanded to include PSAs prior to all Internet computer classes for adults.

Have Questions ? Feel free to contact: Renelda Sells Chief Librarian Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System Work: Cell: