How Children Can Use the Internet Safely

A California State University Dominguez Hills PT3 Project
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The Internet, like all books, magazines, newspapers and other information sources, is neither good nor bad in and of itself.

It is simply a tool for delivering information.

Just as you make choices when you buy newspapers and magazines, children need to make decisions when viewing information on the Internet. They need to ask:

Do I need it

Do I want it?

Is it accurate?

Is it appropriate?

Is it timely?

Who wrote it?

Is the author selling something?

What is the author's point of view?

Children need to be taught to ask these questions when they use the Internet.

The web links below may help parents understand the Internet more clearly and help them make some decisions about how their family can best benefit from using this new and exciting technology.

Online Safety
Pointers from the Apple Learning Interchange. Site has links to guidelines for parents and educators, partnering projects for students, links to software programs that filter web content, examples of good Acceptable Use Policies, and other safety related information.
Families and the Web
Articles from From Now On, an online magazine published by a leading educational proponent of technology in education. This page includes articles on teaching your child how to sort out the good stuff from the bad stuff on-line.
Get Net Wise
This is an excellent site for parents that want kids to understand net safety, and site blocks that can you can download to get kids away from certain material.
Internet Awareness for Parents
This presentation covers basic issues and presents suggestions, links and other terrific information.
Net Family News
Articles, tips and a newsletter for families that want to use the internet safely.
A Parent's Guide to the Internet
Written by an attorney and mother of two children. She discusses online safety, provides interesting links and advice.
Parenting for an Age of Information
Take a time out to view this information about your son or daughter, and just learn.
Pointers for Parents
An excellent starting point. This site, from the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, explains some basic terms and makes suggestions about how to handle Internet access in a home with children.
Safekids.com
Articles on safe Internet use for children.

Other sites of interest to parents

Publications for Parents: Free publications from the government, now on-line. Be sure to check the Helping Your Child series, including:

Story Resources on the Web
Parents can easily print out hundreds of online stories from this one web page, and read them to their children.

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