Barry Wareham

WMC521 – Spring 2002

 

Grade 8 Computer Class

Internet Safety Discussion Topics

 

 

Selected Statements from the Littlestown Area School District Internet Contract:

 

The purpose of the Internet network is to support research and education in and among academic institutions in the United States by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for collaborative work

 

The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of user privileges

 

You are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette

 

 

Discussion Prompts from www.safekids.com

 

Did you know that there are web sites and newsgroups that have material that is hateful, is violent, or contains other types of material that the community and school considers to be inappropriate for their students?

 

Also the Internet contains web sites, newsgroups, and other areas designed specifically for adults who wish to post, view, or read sexually explicit material.

 

Dealing with these problems is handled in three ways:

 

First, the district has put a filtering system in place to block a great number of problem sites.  Net servers that present traffic problems for the District’s connection are also blocked.  Consequently you will not be able to access and AOL site or Peer to Peer systems for Chat, File sharing, and other activities that require large amounts of bandwidth.

 

Second, The instructor will design and provide guided activities for the class.  This means that the students will be given focused assignments to complete on the web, not be cut loose to surf. These activities will involve the use of sites and materials that have been selected for their educational content and relevance to the topic of study.

 

Third, and finally, the students will know the rules of conduct and adhere to them when online.  Each student, before gaining access to the network, has secured an Internet contract from the district.  The students and their parents read, signed, and returned this document to the school officials before access was granted to the computer system.   Further, the Instructor’s guidelines and expectations have been covered in class.

 

The student’s responsibility is a piece of this puzzle that is often ignored in the great open debates regarding this topic.  It is my feeling that teaching the students to navigate the net intelligently and safely is a very important part of preparing them for adult life.

 

 

 

An open letter to the parents of 8th graders:

 

 

Dear Parents,

 

The Internet is a wonderful resource with an incredible amount of information just waiting to be tapped.  It is, however, not without it’s darker side.  In regard to personal safety, sending a child on to the Internet with no guidelines or ground rules can be as dangerous as sending them into the city by themselves.  A good defense is highly suggested when it comes to matters of parenting middle school students.  Our Online strategy is no different.

 

The following information is meant to stimulate family discussion about Internet Safety. In class we have reviewed some Internet related news stories of recent years.  The students have been asked to consider this information and take it home to discuss with you.  If your child has access to the Internet, please take the time to sit down and discuss these points with your child.

 

At the end of this document is a short pledge sheet.  Please review this with your child. We encourage our students to sign this pledge to live by the guidelines presented on our “Tips Sheets”

 

In addition to the “Tips Sheets” I have provided a discussion guide we used in class with the 8th graders.  This paper includes policy statements of the Littlestown Area School District and some Internet Safety information from the www.safekids.com  web site.

 

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at any time at 359-4146 or email me at Barry@lasd.k12.pa.us

 

 

Thank You,

Barry Wareham

 

Grade 8 Computers

Safety Check List

 

Introduction:  Getting online and entering a chat room is no different than strolling down a strange city street.  It is an unfamiliar neighborhood, with unfamiliar people.  You need to exercise caution in both settings.  Think about the issues below and discuss them with your parents:

 

 

Tips Regarding Personal Information:

 

Choose your online ID carefully: don’t give away personal information

           

Guard your full name, address or phone number while online

           

Guard your parent’s identity and place of work while online

           

Guard all financial information while online!!

           

Use credit card numbers and other financial information ONLY with your parent’s guidance and permission.

 

It is highly suggested that you do not share pictures of yourself online with anyone you do not know “in the real world”.

 

 

 

Tips Regarding People You Meet Online:

 

Remember, unless you already know this person in “the real world”, you can never be sure that they are who they say they are!

 

It is easy to become comfortable with an “online friend” and feel as if you know them well.  See the rule above … how do you KNOW who and what they are?

 

It is best to never “physically” meet with someone you meet online.  If you do plan a meeting, have your parent’s permission, take them with you, AND meet in a public place.

 

If anyone online says something that makes you feel uncomfortable … get out!

 

If anyone online says something to make you feel threatened or fearful … report it to your parents and the Web Site Management.  Depending on the situation, your parents may need to make a report to local authorities as well. Don’t hesitate!!!

 

 

Tips Regarding Email:

 

Consider your email to be as private as a postcard in the U.S. mail

 

If you receive an email from an unknown source or an unusual one from someone you do know, trash it!

 

Can an email be traced back to its source?  YES!

 

When forwarding (if you must) use “Blind Carbon Copy” (BCC)  otherwise you are sharing everyone’s email address with the whole Internet

 

 

 

 

Tips Regarding Web Browsing

 

Can Web sites I browse tell who I am?  Yes, they will know your login ID and quite possibly every web site you have visited (your history file).  Many share this information with others.

 

Web Browsers can give out a lot of information about who you are and where you have been. If you are using Internet Explorer 6  check this link.

 

Cookies: small text files saved on your computer that help others track your online activities

 

If you are using a broadband (DSL or cable) Internet connection, install a firewall.  Without one people on the Internet can  “get into” your computer and files.

 

Only provide personal information to sites that you determine to be trustworthy and that have a valid need for the information. (registering for web sites etc.)

 

 

 

Web Safety Pledge

 

 

I  __________________________ agree to abide by the guidelines outlined above when I am online.

            student’s name

 

Student Signature: ________________________        Date: __________

 

Parent Signature:  ________________________         Date: __________