Internet Safety

The Internet is also known as the "Information Super-Highway". This nickname is a perfect fit because of all the information people have at their finger-tips. It is a useful tool for people to gather information on any topic imaginable.

But when should children have access to this incredible wealth of information?

Many people would agree that it should be as soon as they are interested! As a teacher of 4th graders, I know by the time children are 9 and 10 years old, they are very interested. However, I am a firm believer that children of this age are in need of close supervision. Along with the positives of research and learning come the curiosities of children that may lead them into trouble. It is very important that children under the age of 18 have support by parents, or older adults, who understand this important issue that Internet users are faced with today. You never know what might happen! It is better to be SAFE than SORRY!!

Here are some tips I found online at the top-rated blog of 2007, http://internetsafetyeducator.com, on Internet safety that I found helpful:

* Do you know your child’s user name, email address and password?? If not, WHY?

* Do NOT allow computers in children's bedrooms. Keep computers in an open area of the home.

* Is there a webcam attached to your computer??

* Insist your children do not give out or post personal information, such as their full name, social security number, home address, location, email address, school name, phone number, date of birth, or real age.

* Stress to your children, personal information must remain PRIVATE. Insist your children use a non-descript gender-neutral screen or user name such as Table01 or Internet 5.

* When using a social networking site, restrict access to the profile, using privacy settings, talking only to people known in real life.

* Never accept unsolicited email, files, photographs, videos or attachments from online strangers.

* Google your children

* Go online with your children

* Register for your own account on MySpace, or other social networking sites, to get an accurate "feel" of the site your children visit.

* Passwords should not be shared with anyone, including friends. Do you know your children's passwords?

* Remember, what is published or said online today, may come back to haunt you tomorrow.

* If your child does choose to use a picture, blur or morph it before posting.

* Use “netiquette”, or online etiquette. Don’t say things on the Internet you would not say to someone in person, remember the Golden Rule.

* When it comes to questionnaires or surveys, parental permission must be given first.

* If your child is a victim of cyber bullying or stalking, or knows someone who has been targeted, stress to your children to TELL an adult.

* Stress to your children if something online makes them feel scared, uncomfortable or worried, immediately tell a trusted adult.

* DO NOT solely rely on parental controls

* Talk, and LISTEN, to your children

* INSIST your school has a regular Internet Safety curriculum in place!!

* INSIST your school has an anti-cyber bullying policy in place!!

* THE BEST PARENTAL CONTROL, IS YOU !!

Another important issue children are faced with is CYBER-BULLYING. This happens when children are chatting on instant messenger or communicating through social networking sites. Children tend to have more courage to say things they wouldn't necessarily say in person. This can really hurt children and it is important to make sure your child is not a part of cyber-bullying! Talk with them about this topic and make sure it is not happening to them. Some states have even made cyber-bullying illegal.

I hope this is helpful and please remember that awareness is the key to prevention.