Internet Safety Your agency

Benefits of the Internet Vast quantity of information for various learning styles Text Graphics Sounds Interactive Information anytime, anywhere

Not a Silver Bullet The Internet is only a tool…like a pencil or calculator. It should not be used as a babysitter or expected to be an end all to educational goals.

Internet is global No single country can set rules At this time, no law exists in the United States that restricts materials on the Internet or requires sites to provide warnings if they contain pornographic material. Internet use relies on self regulation

Most people have good experiences Most people do not run into serious problems. You mainly “get” what you are searching for. There are ways to minimize risk and maximize benefits

Putting it into perspective If one child is abducted, molested, harassed or even made to feel uncomfortable on the Internet, than that’s one child too many. However, statistically, it’s one of the safest places for kids to “hang out.” Consider... Each year, more than 6,600 children ages 14 and under die and another 120,000 are permanently disabled from motor vehicle crashes, drowning, fire and burns, airway obstruction injury, unintentional firearm injury, falls, poisoning and other injury risk areas. One out of four children sustains injuries serious enough to require medical attention each year. National SafeKids Campaign

So, are there any risks? The Internet, like schools, homes and every other good place, does have some risks. Inappropriate information is available online.

But.. Should we throw the baby out with the bathwater? Parents need to be aware of and help reduce any possible risks. How?

How Parents Can Reduce Risks Talk to your children about things on the Internet that concern you. Teach your children what to do if they encounter an uncomfortable situation. Place the computer in a location where you can see what your child is doing online.

Guidelines for Parents 1. Never give out identifying information. home address, school name, or telephone number-- in a public message such as chat or bulletin boards (newsgroup), and be sure you're dealing with someone that both you and your child know and trust before giving it out via

Guidelines for Parents 2.Be involved with your child’s use of the Internet. Surf together Reinforce good habits Have your child teach you!

Guidelines for Parents 3.Draw clear guidelines so your child knows exactly what behavior is and is not acceptable. Discuss these rules and post them near the computer as a reminder. Sign a family contract.

Guidelines for Parents 4.Monitor your child’s Internet use. Be aware of the amount of time your child spends online. Monitor them occasionally to make sure they are using the Internet safely. Review “buddy lists” and address books Check your browser’s history file to see what sites your child has visited.

Guidelines for Parents 5.Never allow a child to arrange a face-to- face meeting with another computer user without parental permission. If a meeting is arranged, make the first one in a public spot, and be sure to accompany your child.

Guidelines for Parents 6.Never respond to messages that are suggestive, obscene, belligerent, threatening, or make you feel uncomfortable. Encourage children to tell you if they encounter such messages. Help them understand that it is not their fault Don’t overreact or punish your child for confiding in you

Guidelines for Parents 7.Never assume a person’s identity online.  People may not be who they seem.  Because you can't see or even hear the person it would be easy for someone to misrepresent him/herself.

If it’s too good to be true… It probably is. Be very careful about offers that involve: your coming to a meeting having someone visit your house sending money or credit card information

Other options Take advantage of ISP’s parental controls. Consider blocking/filtering software. Use “kid safe” web sites and search engines. Yahooligans Ask Jeeves for Kids Eduhound