Parental+Resource+Center

=Parental Resource Center =

Dear Parents,

In the next three days your child will be learning about internet safety and netiquette (proper internet behavior). Many times our children are unaware of the dangers and consequences that exist on the net.

To start off with, if a child is trying to go to one of their favorite sites and misspells it, there is a possibility that a cruel minded person has already set up a website with the misspelled site with inappropriate and/or obscene pictures. For instance [|disny.com] instead of [|www.disney.com]. On shows like Oprah, internet security experts have shown how searching for something as simple as “boat” can bring up inappropriate images through no fault of your child. Social networks like Facebook or Myspace, have become more predominant with our children. I have observed cyber-bullying or bullying on line, false ages, and inappropriate content on some accounts. The settings for these accounts need to be revised constantly. Many times changes are made with the default granting access to material the user previously thought was restricted. Photos, addresses, phone numbers, and even a child’s real name, must be protected. Our students need to know that what is posted on the internet stays around for years to come. Many employers do searches on their prospective employees and use the information they acquire to help in their decision making. Nothing that you would be embarrassed for a future employer to see should be posted online. Webkinz and Neopets provide social networking when you buy their toys. They request that inappropriate content be reported. Some video games are played online, like World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy where adults play with children.

Your local police department may assist you with software to help your child surf the web more safely. The school librarian has provided safe websites for children to surf in. The best prevention however is a vigilant adult. If a child knows that someone is going to be checking their history or lack of it, they will be more careful of the websites they visit. Parents or guardians should always have a child’s password to their accounts. If you are interested in a workshop on internet security, please fill in the form letting us know what days and hours would work best for you. Depending on interest shown, we will send out information on when and if it will occur.

Thank you,

Your child’s teacher

= = =Additional Resources = =[|Parent Further]= =An Educational Blog for parents about internet safety=

=[|Online Netiquette]=

=[| Online Safety]=

**[|American Association of School Administrators]**  = [|Safeteens.com] = = [|Ivy's Search Engine Resources for kids] =