Online Safety Tips for Kids Heading Back to School
RSSBy SLJ Staff
As kids head back to school over the next few weeks, librarians can offer parents some helpful tips when it comes to online safety. The Web filtering company InternetSafety.com has come up with a list of Internet safety tips for ensuring that students' online experiences remain a positive one. 1. Become a net-savvy parent Staying informed is one of the best safeguard against online dangers. Parents should learn the basics of the Internet by reading articles, taking a class, and talking to other parents. A good place to start is www.LearnTheNet.com. 2. "Chat" with your kids An open dialogue about the benefits and dangers of the Internet is key. Parents should have an interest in their kids' online activities, their favorite Web sites, online games, and interests. And don't be afraid to ask who your children are talking to online and what they're talking about. 3. Agree on a game plan Use the InternetSafety.com Gameplan to agree on your family's guidelines for using the Internet. They include never giving out personal information, passwords, meeting an online stranger in person, or downloading or sending photos or files without parental permission. These rules should be posted near the family computer as a reminder. 4. Explore the Internet as a family. Take a genuine interest in what kids are doing online and stay engaged. Meanwhile, parents should ask the following questions to their school librarians, teachers, or administrators at the beginning of the school year-especially since the role of technology as a teaching tool is now such an important part of the classroom environment. 1. Does your school filter? Although filtering software in schools is common, not every building uses it. Parents need to find out what measures their school has in place and what steps are taken if a student tries to access banned material. 2. Does your school have a cyberbullying policy? Cyberbullying, or electronic bullying, is a growing concern for parents and educators. Parents should ask about their school's policy for dealing with cyberbullying, and what's expected from both caregivers and students when it comes to dealing with cyberbullying incidents. Many schools have implemented harsher penalties for cyberbullies, including suspension and even expulsion. 3. What are the social networking rules regarding student/teacher interaction? Many teachers use Facebook and other social networking sites to connect to students and make themselves available for questions, while others don't allow such communication. Parents should ask schools about their ground rules and make sure any social networking requirements for their child falls within their comfort level. 4. What are the rules regarding mobile devices at school? Ask if children are allowed to use mobile devices for calculating and research-and if there's a punishment for texting in class. Knowing the answers to these questions can help children steer clear of trouble. 5. What technology does the school provide for the classroom, and how will the teacher use it? Internet connected devices range from standard desktop computers to SmartBoards and iPads. Parents need to ask how technology will be used in lesson plans. Caregivers should review school rules with their children so they understand what kind of online activity can get them in trouble. Establishing Internet usage rules at home can also help kids carry that knowledge into web use at school. great post for Back to school reminder for families! Different people in the world receive the <a href="http://goodfinance-blog.com">loan</a> in different banks, just because that is simple and comfortable. * = Required information
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Posted by Monica Vila on August 13, 2010 10:31:10AM
Posted by WildaHodge34 on December 8, 2011 03:33:34AM
