Linda Kilcoyne
SLM 521
Summer 02
Module

Citing Kid-Safe Portals

Objective

Students will be able to identify web portals that provide a safe passage for children.
Introduction The internet is open to the entire world and every kind of person can post information.   Parents and educators are concerned about children and adults
being exposed to inappropriate web sites and advertisements.  Fortunately,
everyone can have access to the internet through sites that filter search
engines, monitor chat rooms, and provide safe e-mails.  This activity is
focusing specifically on child safety. 
Activity

Visit the sites provided by the links below and review the kinds and quality
of the sites.  Look at what each site offers.

My Yahoo! -This portal is aimed at teens and adults.  You can sign up to customize
your own start page, choose content, change layout, and add/delete pages.  Yahoo
can use the personal information you give and combine that information with information they obtain from business partners or other companies.  Children
under 13 are not required to supply personal information.

Lycos Zone - A portal designed for children in the 3 to 13 year old range and their families.  Lycos Zone is separate from the rest of the Lycos Network.  Lycos Zone does not collect any personally identifiable information.  The site has a section for teachers and offers free web building.  Lycos Zone uses GetNetWise to filter material inappropriate for children.  A super resource!

Tips to consider when using kid-friendly portals:

  • Look for the criteria the portal is using to filter information
    and sites.
  • Be sure the site has a clear policy that protects children's personal information.
  • Are e-mails and/or chat rooms safe?  Are chat rooms monitored? Are e-mails filtered for inappropriate content or advertising?

 

Use develop a query that will find links to kid-safe portals.
Assignment Create a link list of 10 sites, aimed at the age-group you work with, that are kid-safe portals.  The list should include a brief note about which age groups
are targeted, what is available on the link, and include the URL.

Include on your page a brief explanation of what kid-safe portals are and why
they are necessary.

Rubric
  1 2 3

Assignment

Creates a list of sites

Creates a list
of 10 annotated sites

 Creates 10 well-annotated sites with working links.

Clear explanation of kid-safe portals and the need for them.
Other Sites

Get Net Wise - Tips for kids for safety on the internet
http://www.getnetwise.org/americalinksup/kidstips/tip1.shtml

Filtering Tools - From the Media Awareness Network, this site offers information on the evolving media culture.  Educators, parents, and community can join to make media "a more positive force in children's lives."
http://www.media-awareness.ca/eng/webaware/tipsheets/filtering.htm#ISPs
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