Internet Safety:

This is the synopsis of a meeting held at Harold Wilson school in Newark,New Jersey, concerning the subject of internet safety, and protecting children online. The program was well-implemented and well received. Protecting children from pornography on the internet is a concern for both parents, teachers, and school administrators.

Parents shouldn't assume that children will not be exposed to pornography on school computers, but should educate their children about this matter. Children as young as 9 and 10 years old, have used school computers to "gather" erotic pictures from Google images, as one example. Other children have found ways to bipass filtering, and import "true-blue" pornography on school computers.

Protection is needed, but also education, teaching children why this is not good, why it can be dangerous, and how they should handle the internet. It truly is a challenge having high technology, with much capability for good, in both the home and at school, when at the same time, some are using this technology for ways that can be damaging. Therefore, the notes of the meeting below are very helpful for all who are involved with the lives of children.

1. Encourages use of filtering systems for Internet at home and school. Set filter to screen out pornography, specific sites, violence, profanity, certain types of emails, etc. Can select desired level of protection.

2. Filtering system should be a complement, not a replacement for supervision. (with children and youths. Microsoft demonstration site)

3. There are kid-friendly search engines.

4. Use email filters.

5. Teachers: Teach them to always come to you before, use sites only that you've approved.

6. Computer should be in an open area.

7. Teach children to guard against Online marketers. Don't give out personal information w/o permission from parents. Also, Online contests.

8. Encourage children to talk to adults if something makes them feel uncomfortable.

9. K.R. "Don't freak out". What will happen if you overreact when they come to you?
Parents: "They won't come back and talk to you again."
K.R. "That's right, be calm." Talk to them.

10. Teach ethical behavior- No gossiping or bullying. (Story given elsewhere of girl who killed herself because of harassing emails from a boy-neighbor she corresponded with on chat sites or email).

11. As parents take time to talk about cyber safety.
Talk about MySpace, etc. 3,000 sexual predators already discovered on social networking sites. 15 year old girl killed in Newark as a result.

12. Some websites for Internet safety:
www.netsmarzkids.org
www.cybertipline.com
Cyber safety board-Newark Public schools, available to public. Others