We know that parents are concerned as the internet has introduced a whole new way for the young to interact. Where once it was word-of-mouth exchanges with friends and acquaintances in a school environment this has now been broadened astronomically. It now includes a much wider and looser definition of 'friends' locally and afar. And 'friends' who might not be friends but masked characters bringing unacceptable or repulsive interactions.The net is an enormous communications advantage over previous generations. It is so valuable in exchanging information and knowledge that is accessible with the click of a few keys. But it has some very scary and socially unhealthy disadvantages that parents and kids should be aware of. Shrewdly camouflaged friendly and helpful temptations can turn out to be very harmful experiences.
From Instructify: Archive for the ‘Internet safety’ Category
At school access to the internet is monitored, there are often black lists of inappropriate sites, filtering systems and supervision by teachers and staff. But when the students get home this changes. The parents do not have access to the extensive resources and tools available to schools. So to help the parents we recommend that a simple three step rule, the 3 i's of internet safety. Read more . . .
FBI's Internet Safety Tips For the kids:
There are some very important things that you need to keep in mind when you're on your computer at home or at school.
- First, remember never to give out personal information such as your name, home address, school name, or telephone number in a chat room or on bulletin boards. Also, never send a picture of yourself to someone you chat with on the computer without your parent's permission.
- Never write to someone who has made you feel uncomfortable or scared.
- Do not meet someone or have them visit you without the permission of your parents.
- Tell your parents right away if you read anything on the Internet that makes you feel uncomfortable.
- Remember that people online may not be who they say they are. Someone who says that "she" is a "12-year-old girl" could really be an older man.
Thanks to the Internet, you can order books, clothes, or appliances online; reserve a hotel room across the ocean; download music and games; check your bank balance 24 hours a day; or access your workplace from thousands of miles away. The flip-side, however, is that the Internet, and the anonymity it affords, can give online scammers, hackers, and identity thieves access to your computer, personal information, finances, and more. But with awareness as your safety net, you can minimize the chance of an Internet mishap. To be safer and more secure online, adopt these seven practices:
- Protect your personal information. It's valuable.
- Know whom you're dealing with.
- Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as a firewall, and update them all regularly.
- Make sure your operating system and web browser are set up properly and update them regularly.
- Protect your passwords.
- Back up important files.
- Learn who to contact if something goes wrong online
Social networking sites are the hippest new "meet markets," especially among tween, teens and 20-somethings. While these sites can increase a person's circle of friends, they also increase exposure to people with less-than-friendly intentions, including sexual predators.
Much more at the FCIC . . .
