Internet
Safety
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| At
Prairie Creek, we think
the internet is an invaluable tool for learning. It can also be a
frightening place for kids. As students get older, it is
imperative
that they learn how to use the internet safely and ethically. To
shut them off from this resource would be a disservice, but to let them
explore without structure and supervision would also be a disservice.
While at school,
students are always supervised
on the computers. All websites that
we link to the Prairie Creek site have been checked by a teacher for
appropriateness.
Older children also
sign an Internet use contract.
However,
logging on through this
site from home does not guarantee that a student will not access an
inappropriate
site. Once a child has gone more than "one step"
from the PCCS page, or a child friendly search engine, there is no
way to assure that content will be appropriate. As adults, it is
our responsibility to help children use the internet and to supervise
their
use.
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| One
Step Rule and Net Safety |
One
Step Rule
When you are searching
on the internet
use a search engine for kids,
they
choose sites that are appropriate and ones that are easier for kids to
use.
Only go "one click"
from the search engine,
looking at the sites they recommend for you. Go back to the
search
engine (by clicking the back menu bar button) before you go to another
link. Never follow links from a page that is already one step
away from a search engine or Prairie Creek site. There is no
way
to know if one of those sites will be O.K. for kids.
Net Safety
Even though kids do not
use e-mail at
school, it is important that you know some basic safety rules.
They
are basically the same as the safety rules you already know about
strangers.
- Never give anybody
you don't know your full
name (first and last name), address, phone number or school.
- Never agree to
meet anybody who you only know
from being on-line. Tell your mom or dad right away if someone
asks
to meet with you.
- Don't share
private information with strangers
on line: if you wouldn't tell somebody something face to face,
you
shouldn't share it on-line.
- If you get an
instant message or e-mail that
makes you feel uncomfortable, tell your mom or dad right away. If
you can, leave it on the screen so mom and dad can help stop the person
who sent it to you.
- If you
accidentally link to a site that makes
you feel uncomfortable simply click the "back" button or turn off the
monitor
(screen). Then, go find an adult (a parent or teacher) so
that
they can make sure other kids don't follow that link.
Net Safety Quiz
Do you think you're an
internet safety
whiz? Take this safety
quiz
and find out!
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| At
School |
Downloading
Do not put any software
on the classroom
computers without asking your teacher. This includes downloads
that
some sites recommend such as "Shockwave." Your teacher has to
decide
what should and should not be on classroom computers.
Non-Educational
Sites
Check with your teacher
before you go
to a site that is not educational such as a game site or a site about
your
favorite band. It is not appropriate to visit these sites during
time when you are supposed to be using the internet for a school
related
project.
Copying
If you copy and paste
information or pictures
from a website into a report or a project without giving credit to the
person you took it from it is the same as copying and it is
illegal.
It is never O.K. to use someone else's writing or words unless you give
them credit with a quotation. You can only use an image if you
give
credit to the person or site from which you took the picture.
E-mail
You should not check
your e-mail from
school. Wait until you get home.
Inappropriate Sites
All sites that you
access from school
should be "G" rated, just like every movie we show at school has
to be appropriate for every child in a class. If you go on
purpose
to a site that is not appropriate for elementary kids or if you tell
others
to go to a site you know they could get them in trouble, you could
lose
your internet privilege. Don't do it.
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| At
Home |
Computer
Location
Computers that children
use should be
in a place in the home where a parent can easily monitor the child's
activity.
Keeping computers in the open discourages random surfing.
Downloading
Check with mom or dad
before you install
or download any software.
Passwords
Never give your
passwords or usernames
to anyone but your parents. You shouldn't even give password
information
to brothers or sisters.
E-mail
You should only e-mail
people that you
know well and you should never give out your address or phone
number.
Never say anything in an e-mail that you wouldn't feel comfortable
saying
in person. Always sign your e-mails.
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| Links |
Get
Net Wise
This site was designed
by the American
Library Association to help parents and teachers understand the web and
how to use it safely and effectively with children.
Internet
Rules to Follow
This is a good starting
place to discuss
internet safety and etiquette with your class or child. Written
in
kid friendly language, it sets specific guidelines for internet use
Think
U Know
A must visit for children who will be allowed to communicate with new
friends on line - either in a chat room, by instant messenger or by
e-mail. This is an ideal site for children entering middle school.
Safe
Kids
This site is dedicated
to safe internet
use by children. Excellent tips on how to talk to your kids about
safety, what rules to impose and which filters to use.
Internet
Safety Quiz
A good way to reinforce
internet safety
rules.
CyberNetiquette
Comix
This site takes forever
to download with
a modem connection. However, those of you with faster connections
might enjoy watching these movies featuring Disney characters and
internet
safety messages.
A
Parent's Guide to the Internet
A no nonsense, very
thorough explanation
of the internet and how to use it effectively with your family.
Put
out by the U.S. Department of Education.
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