Internet Safety:Protecting Your Child Online
Presented by the St. Martin’s Episcopal School Technology
Department
Agenda
• Staying Connected
• Making the Right Decisions
• Internet Safety Checklist
• Appropriate Internet Usage According to Age
• Important Safety Issues
• Conclusion
Staying in the Moment!
Children must realize the importance of staying connected – and not
electronically!
There is a proper time and place for:
• Cell phone usage
• Text messaging
• iPods
Are you being a good example for your children?
How do you make the right decisions to ensure your children
stay safe online?
The answer is a combination of:
• Good parenting
• Educating your child about Internet safety rules
• Filtering Software - as you can't always be there!
KidsHealth
Internet Safety Checklist
• Talk to your family about Internet safety
• Train your children – there are a variety of free educational programs
• Does your ISP (Internet Service Provider) offer parental controls?
• Computers used by children should be placed in a central location (family room, etc.).
Internet Safety Checklist (cont.)
• Install safety software
• Use family-friendly search engines
http://www.kids.gov/
• Discuss the benefits and hazards of going online
Internet Safety Checklist (cont.)
• Urge children to inform a parent or adult if they accidentally stumble on something inappropriate
• Set up house rules or create an Internet safety contract.Online Code of Conduct
• Supervise children carefully
• Increase children’s level of responsibility as they get older
Appropriate Internet Usage for Children Ages 2-7
• Learn about the computer
• Explore selected children’s Internet sites
What Should Parents Do?
• Closely supervise children
• Select sites for children
• Set up bookmarks for children
• Limit or deny email usage
• Use a filter (software) for content control
Appropriate Internet Usage for Children Ages 8-11
• Exploring selected sites
• Chatting and corresponding online in controlled environments
• Skills and usage will continue to increase
• Curiosity will increase
What Should Parents Do?
• Be actively involved• Emphasize safe behavior• Investigate any chat rooms or online clubs
your child wants to participate in• Use content filters• Discuss good cyber manners (“netiquette”)• Place the computer in a central area • Periodically check Internet history (demo)
Appropriate Internet Usage for Children Ages 12-18
• The Internet becomes a valuable tool for homework and projects
• Children develop greater independence and want more freedom
• Use email extensively (STM restrictions)
• More “net-savvy”
• The Internet becomes more global
What Should Parents Do?
• Stay in touch with their children’s online activities
• Keep the computer in a central location
• Reinforce safety messages and cyber rules. Stress privacy protection.
How much time should my child spend online?
• Rules for Internet usage should be the decision of a child’s parents. Like many other things, such as watching television or reading in bed, parents should strive to achieve a healthy balance.
Cyber Bullying• What is cyber bullying?
http://www.stopcyberbullying.org/
Which video games are appropriate for my child?
• Game Ratings and Descriptor Guide
Which Content Filter Should I Use?
• Net Nanny• http://www.netnanny.com/products/
netnanny• CYBERSitter • http://www.cybersitter.com/• CyberPatrol• http://www.cyberpatrol.com/• K9 Web Protection (Free)• http://www1.k9webprotection.com/
Social Networking Sites
• Face Book
• My Space
• Classmates.com
• Pros and Cons of My Space
Pros and Cons of Social Networking
Conclusion
The Internet can be a rich, multimedia experience that enhances the learning experience for children. It can also be a perilous place. With basic safety measures, parents can adequately protect their children and make their Internet experience an enjoyable one.
References• http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/positive/family/
net_safety.html• http://www.kids.gov/• http://www.netalert.gov.au• http://www.commoncraft.com/video-social-networking• http://www.stopcyberbullying.org/• http://www.esrb.org/ratings/ratings_guide.jsp• http://www.microsoft.com/protect/family/guidelines/
contract.mspx• http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/02/06/
eveningnews/main1286130.shtml
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