The
Internet is used by students for many different reasons. They may go online to
do research, to instant message or e-mail friends, to meet others on social
networking sites, or to discuss different topics in a chat room or on a blog.
While a wonderful resource, students do need to make sure they are safe. The
following are some tips to review with children so they know how to safely
surf the web:
Top
Ten Tips To Teach To Keep Students Safe
1. Everyone on the Internet is a stranger – no
matter how many times you “talk” to them - unless you met them somewhere else.
2. Don’t accept or respond to messages or open
e-mails from someone you do not know.
3. Choose your user name wisely. Don’t give away
your real name, age, gender or where you live. Keep your password secret!
4. Do not meet anyone from the Internet without
asking for your parent’s permission. If your parents do give you permission,
meet the stranger in a public place and ask your parents to go with you.
5. Be careful about the information you give out
during a chat or in a blog. This information can give clues to who you are or
where you live.
6. Be critical of the websites you visit. Who
sponsors them? When were they last updated? Are they applicable?
7. Assume that nothing on the Internet ever goes
away! Don’t post something that could come back to haunt you.
8. If you are threatened or bullied, print copies
of the messages but do not reply to them.
9. If you feel threatened, you can change your
e-mail address, user profile and screen name.
10. Immediately report any threats, problems or
inappropriate messages to your parents and/or teachers. They may choose to
report these threats to the police or your service provider.
Click on the link below for a webquest on the Internet and Cyberbullying:
Surfing
Safari Webquest
To read more about this subject go to:
i-Safe.org
NetSmartz.org
Stop
Bullying Now
Parry's
Guide to Cyberbullying