Internet Safety Resources
by Shannon Fisher
September 21, 2007
Many people, including children, have been confronted with material that is disturbing or inappropriate while using the internet or other forms of digital media. Parents can greatly minimize the chances that their children will be victimized by educating children about both the benefits and dangers of "cyberspace".
At the end of the 2006-2007 school year, a committee of teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community members was formed to consider potential guidelines, codes of conduct and student/parent education regarding the internet and other digital media.
This committee, known as the Internet and Digital Media Usage Committee, meets once a month to collaborate and share ideas about ways to encourage students to practice responsible and safe internet and digital media use.
The following resources will help educate parents and students about staying safe in the digital world.
Social Networking
Social networking refers to on-line communities of people who are socializing with each other via a particular website. Most of the social networks on the Web are public, allowing anyone to join. Social networking is a popular way to connect socially or professionally with other people. Examples: MySpace, FaceBook, blogs
List of Social Networks
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_social_networking_websites
Information about Facebook
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facebook
Information about MySpace
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MySpace
More Information about MySpace
Wired Safety Blog Information
http://www.wiredsafety.org/internet101/blogs.html
Internet Safety Education
The following websites provide general information about internet and digital media safety.
Child Safety on the Information Highway
http://www.safekids.com/child_safety.htm
Teen Safety on the Information Highway
http://www.safeteens.com/safeteens.htm
GetNetWise
Internet Safety Education
National Cyber Security Alliance
http://www.staysafeonline.org/
Cyber Safety Video and Information from Microsoft
http://www.microsoft.com/education/downloads/asx/onlinesafety.asx
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/yourself/default.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/family/default.mspx
Family Contracts
Creating contracts for both parents and children is an important part of internet safety. The following links provide examples of contracts and ideas to help create your own family contract.
Family Contract for On-line Safety
http://www.safekids.com/contract.htm
Helping Protect Your Kids On-line
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/family/guidelines/contract.mspx
Ecommerce Hosting
