Jody Jankoski

SLM 521

Course Module

 

Practicing Internet Safety

 

Goals

·          Students will create a family plan for safe Internet use.

·          Students will identify practical things they can do to help their children use the Internet safely.

 

Introduction

Thanks to the Internet, our children have more access to resources and information than ever before. Students can access information on virtually any topic from anywhere in the world. Using e-mail, instant messaging, and discussion groups, children can interact with children from other cultures. Virtual schools allow students to take advantage of classes that may not be available at their local school.

 

However, with these new opportunities come some problems. The Internet has very little regulation. Students can find almost anything on the Internet, which means both the good and the bad. Some risks for children using the Internet include the following:

·          Meeting strangers online

·          Loss of privacy

·          Inappropriate material

·          Distinguishing factual material from opinionated or inaccurate material

 

Computers have become a way of life and children need to learn how to use them efficiently and appropriately for schoolwork as well as future job opportunities. It is up to parents to help their children learn to embrace the good parts of the Internet, while avoiding the bad. In this activity you will learn more about risks to children online and what you can do as a parent to help your child use the Internet safely.

 

Activity

The first step to protecting children from risks online is to become familiar with those risks. The more we know about the risks, the easier it will be for us to address those risks. Follow the link below to read more about some risks to children online. This link will take you to an introduction page. Links to the pages about each specific risk are in the left hand column.

·          GetNetWise Online Safety Guide - http://kids.getnetwise.org/safetyguide/

 

The next step is to identify ways we can protect children from these risks. There are many ways to do protect children. The best way to protect your family will depend on how often they use the computer, what they use it for, their age, and your family’s specific needs. Follow these links to read about what parents can do to help children use the Internet safely.

·          Child Safety on the Internet - http://www.safekids.com/child_safety.htm

      (Read the sections marked How Parents Can Reduce Risks and Guidelines for Parents.)

·          10 Things You Can Teach Kids to Improve Their Web Safety - http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/children/kidsonlinetips.mspx

 

No matter how much we try to protect our children, they can still find themselves on the inappropriate website or having an uncomfortable conversation. It is important to have a plan in place for what to do and who to tell it something like that happens. In extreme circumstances, you as a parent may want to report the incident to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Follow this link to read more about what to do if your child encounters inappropriate material.

·          Reporting Trouble - http://kids.getnetwise.org/trouble/

 

It is also important for parents to be aware of warning signs that children may be using the Internet inappropriately. Follow the link below to learn more about these signs.

·          A Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety - http://www.fbi.gov/publications/pguide/pguidee.htm

(Read the section marked What Are Signs That Your Child May Be at Risk Online?.)

 

Assignment

Use the information you have learned to create a family plan for Internet use. This is a plan for how your family will use the Internet and what you will do if faced with inappropriate or risky material. Use language that children will understand so they can refer to the plan as needed. Personalize this plan to meet your family’s specific needs. Don’t forget to leave space for family members to sign the plan. Your plan should address topics such as:

·          Time spent online

·          Supervision (ex. – Are children allowed online when no adult is around?)

·          Permitted websites

·          Online communication (ex. – chat rooms, e-mail, blogs, instant messaging)

·          Location (ex. – Are children allowed online at school, the library or at friends’ houses?)

·          What to do and who to tell if you encounter inappropriate content

 

Submission

Create your plan as a word processor or HTML file. E-mail it as an attachment to your instructor. Be sure to include your last name and the words safety plan in your e-mail subject line.

 

Discussion

1.      In your group’s discussion area, post a description of warning signs that a child might be using the Internet inappropriately.

2. Respond to a post by another group member.

 

Rubric

 

Unacceptable

Developing

Accomplished

Family Plan for Internet Use

Plan is does not appropriately address listed topics

Plan addresses some of the listed topics

Plan thoroughly and specifically addresses all listed topics

Plan is written in language that is vague and/or difficult for a child to understand

Plan is written in language that is not necessarily child friendly but does not include computer jargon

Plan is written in child friendly language

Plan is very general

Plan is somewhat general in nature

Plan is well personalized to meet family’s specific needs

Discussion

Posting does not describe warning signs a child might be using the Internet inappropriately

Posting briefly describes warning signs a child might be using the Internet inappropriately

Posting thoroughly describes warning signs a child might be using the Internet inappropriately

 

Other Resources

 

Safekids.com - http://www.safekids.com/

This website is dedicated to promoting safety for kids on the Internet. There are several articles related to Internet risks, privacy issues, and tips for parents. There also links to news about current events regarding children and the Internet.

 

Learn About Internet Safety - http://www.microsoft.com/info/safeonlinedefault.htm

This site from Microsoft gives a brief introduction to online safety. There are also links to sites that give tips for parents.

 

Internet Safety - http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/family/net_safety.html

This site from kidshealth.org provides information about Internet safety laws, online tools to protection children and suggestions for parents. There is also a section about chat room safety and warning signs that your child might be using the Internet inappropriately.

 

Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 - http://www.ftc.gov/ogc/coppa1.htm

This is the text of the law regarding children’s privacy. It is big on lawyer talk, but it will give you very specific information about what the law says regarding children and the Internet.

 

Especially for Children and Their Parents - http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/foryoungpeople/childrenparents/especiallychildren.htm

This site is from the American Library Association. It provides links to sites with information about children and the Internet. There are also links to child friendly search engines, educational sites, sites related to privacy issues, and other ALA sites for children and parents.

 

Kidz Privacy - http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/kidzprivacy/index.html

This site is from the Federal Trade Commission. It gives information about privacy laws and tips for parents. There is also a kids’ site that teaches kids how to be smart with their personal information.

 

ALA Great Websites for Kids - http://www.ala.org/gwstemplate.cfm?section=greatwebsites&template=/cfapps/gws/default.cfm

This site is from the American Library Association. It gives links to over 700 sites that have met tough selection criteria. Users can also submit sites they think are great to be reviewed and added to this list.

 

 

ISTE Standards

This activity addresses the following ISTE standards:

A.      INFORMATION LITERACY

Standard 1: The student who is information literate accesses information efficiently and effectively
Indicator 1. Recognizes the need for information
Indicator 2. Recognizes that accurate and comprehensive information is the basis for intelligent decision-making.

Standard 2: The student who is information literate evaluates information critically and competently.
Indicator 1: Determines accuracy, relevance and comprehensiveness.
Indicator 4: Selects information appropriate for the problem or question at hand.

Standard 3: The student who is information literate uses information accurately and creatively.
Indicator 1: Organizes information for practical application.
Indicator 2: Integrates new information with one's own knowledge.
Indicator 4: Produces and communicates information in appropriate formats

 

 

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