The
Internet is a resource accessible to anyone with a computer. When surfing the
Internet, the user has a responsibility to use care when searching. There are
sites that are pornographic (contain material that depicts erotic behavior).
These sites are intermingled with all kinds of domain names because of the
profitability of the site when someone stumbles into it. Pornographic sites are
not acceptable for students.
Avoidance:
There
are different techniques that can be engaged to avoid pornographic sites.
-Use available filters on the computer. Do not assume that this will control all pornographic sites, as the adult you still must monitor. This monitoring can take the form of visibility and involvement. Do not use the time that a student is on the computer as your “free time” to pursue another activity leaving the student to their own whims.
-Supervise your student. Check in periodically. Instruct the student in good searching techniques. With better searching, the student can focus in on the topic and has a smaller risk of “running across” the unknown pornography site.
Student
-Search on domains that you are familiar with. When searching you can hit a pornographic site
when you assume that a domain name means something else.
Most sites ending in gov, edu, mil or org
are more reliable. The com sites
are more commercial (no pun intended) and a higher risk for pornographic sites.
-Use student safe search engine sites such as Ask
Jeeves for Kids and
Think Quest.
Pornographic
sites will often use common domain names such as “whitehouse.com” causing you
to stumble into this site unknowingly. Upon entering pornography, it is often
set up as a “domino affect”. You are clicking like mad to get out but different
windows keep opening up with each attempt to exit. Below is listed an emergency action plan in what to
do when this happens to you. The plan is as follows:
1)
YOU are not in trouble. This is a
learning mistake. Do not call attention to the site. (In other words this is
not the time to tell your computer neighbor “Look what I found” at the top of
your lungs.
2)
Upon
entering one of these sites, stop immediately and calmly get your teacher
3)
If
the teacher is not available, shut off the monitor. (This is done by pushing
the button on the right hand front side of the monitor)
4)
Do
not give any of your personal information on this site. (An example of this: to
unsubscribe enter your email address). When you enter your address to
unsubscribe, the site now has access to your address. Your address can be
shared with anyone.
5)
Shut
off the computer. (Ctrl / Alt / Delete)
6)
Do
not try to close the site on your own through shutdown. Many of these sites are
setup when you click “close” another window will pop up.
7)
When
the computer is turned off, complete an inappropriate site visit form. (See
below)
Inappropriate
Site Visit Computer location and #_________________ Student Name__________________________ Date__________________________________ Time_________________________________ Search Engine__________________________ Type of problem________________________ _____________________________________ What key words or links were
used_________ ______________________________________ Type of Action Taken __Notify
Administrator __Notify
Parents __Record
in Computer log
_____________________________________