Internet Safety

Janet Reno stated in a letter to parents dated September 5, 2000, "While most children know that it is wrong to break into their neighbor's house or read their best friend's diary, fewer realize that it's wrong to break into their neighbor's computer and snoope through their computer files. As children learn basic rules about right and wrong in the off-line world, they must also learn about acceptable behavior on the Internet. We need kids to understand that hacking is the same as breaking and entering--that being a hacker doesn't make them 'cool' or show their smarts--it makes them a criminal! By fostering cyberethics and promoting responsible computer use, we can better ensure the privacy and security of all Americans." (http:/www.cybercrime.gov/cybercit.htm) As seen by these comments by former Attorney General Janet Reno, privacy and security is an important issue for everyone using the Internet. By teaching children about the rights and wrongs of computer use early, children may be safer and understand their actions better.

Cyber-crime can be defined as "any illegal behavior directed by means of electronic operations that targets the security of computer systems and the data processed by them. In a wider sense, 'computer-related crime' can be any illegal behavior committed by means of, or in relation to, a computer system or network, however, this is not cyber-crime" (http://www.playitcybersafe.com//cybercrime/index.cfm). The five main offenses include, financial, piracy, hacking, cyber-terrorism, online pornography, and in schools. All these areas are of great importance. There are ways to help protect children at home and at school. Filters and child-friendly browsers can keep children from viewing inappropriate sites. However, children can also be blocked from art museums and other sites. It is important for schools and parents to guide children through acceptable use and how to react if something inappropriate happens.

Net Nanny (http://www.netnanny.com/learn_center/safety_tips) has a top ten Internet safety list for parents. These tips include:

1. Educate yourself and your children
2. Teach identity rules
3. Install filter
4. Know dangers of certain sites
5. Teach what to do
6. Manage time
7. Set guidelines
8. Keep computers in view
9. Create a relationship
10. Understand Internet privacy

From this list, schools can also work with students to understand the ways to navigate the Internet safely. By working together, parents and teachers can educate students and give them the tools they need to handle situations as they arise. Students may also learn what they can and cannot do with information at their fingertips. While children need to be protected, children also need to know what actions are not okay. They need to know about plagiarism and stealing in terms of the Internet. I truly believe it takes a village to raise a child. This is just another example of everyone working together to help children understand safety concerns as well as acceptable use on the Internet.