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/

What is Social Networking?

Social Networking

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