Internet Safety Protecting Our Future Presenter TaKecia Barlow

Facts About Internet “The Internet, sometimes called simply "the Net," is a worldwide system of computer networks - a network of networks in which users at any one computer can, if they have permission, get information from any other computer (and sometimes talk directly to users at other computers).” from

Does the Internet affect our children? It is a normal part of our students’ lives. It makes learning exciting for our students. It provides a wealth of knowledge at the stroke of a finger tip.

MPS Internet Policy Since our school district receives federal funding, there are several compliances that are required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act: Filtering System: We use a program called LightSpeed. Internet Acceptable Use Policy It states “students will be educated about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms and cyber bullying awareness and response.” To meet the needs of this new statement, we have asked the technology coordinators at each school to develop a lesson plan that will be covered in the first nine weeks addressing social networking and cyber bullying. We are also using on the elementary level and on the secondary level to address the need.

Instructional Technology Staff Teachers –Monitor students’ Internet Use. –Reinforce safe surfing practices. –Indirect community outreach (parent conferences, newsletters, etc.). Administrators –Monitor program to ensure functionality/ participation at all levels. –Initiate, plan, facilitate community outreach. –Monitor students’ Internet use. –Reinforce safe surfing practices.

How do we teach Internet Safety? –We need to guide our students to make good choices in their Internet travels. –We must teach them to use the Internet safely. –It should be a continual lesson using “teachable moment” ; not a one time training lesson.

Teachers and Parents –Learn the signs of cyberbullying and steps to take if one of their students is harassed. –Inform student constantly about what information to place on the Internet- never put your real name, address, phone number, etc. –Encourage student not to talk to stranger on the Internet; the stranger may be predators. N e e d t o r e m i n d s t u d e n t s o v e r a n d o v e r t h a t p e o p l e o n l i n e a r e n o t a l w a y s w h o t h e y c l a i m t o b e. –Must teach students what types of personal information they are never to share on the Internet without parent approval: name, address, phone number, address, school they attend What can teachers and parents do to promote Internet Safety? Cyberbullying is the use of , instant messaging, chat rooms, pagers, cell phones, or other forms of information technology to deliberately harass, threaten, or intimidate someone.

To Summarize –Remember monitoring is essential. –Filters cannot catch everything. –Teachers and parents must monitor where students go on the Internet. –“No Free Time In Class” – teachers should provide purpose and guides. –Teachers and parents should view “History” to see what students have viewed. Our FUNDING DEPENDS ON IT!!!

For More Information safety-resources.phphttp:// safety-resources.php MPS Policy omeryPublic/Departments/DocumentsCategories/Docum ents/Internet%20Acceptable%20Use%20Policy%20for% 20Students.pdf