INTERNET SAFETY

Last weekend while I was trying to find a health focus for the week, I came across a lesson on "Internet Safety." I thought to myself, "Does this apply to my students, are they at that age yet?" The answer is yes, with more and more technology opportunities today, accessing the internet is as easy as turning on a T.V.

I focused the lesson on grades 3-5, as I figured they were my most applicable age range.  We discussed social media outlets such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Youtube, talking about how each has it's place in the world now but how you should proceed with caution.  I know that some social media outlets even have an age requirement for creating an account, this is to keep children from using them.

I found a list of Internet Safety rules that I want to share with you.  Internet safety starts with supervising and monitoring what activities takes place on the internet.

1.   I will not give out personal information such as my address, telephone number, parents’ work address/telephone number without my parents’ permission.

2.   I will tell my parents right away if I come across something that makes me feel uncomfortable.

3.   I will never agree to get together with someone I “meet” online without first checking with my parents. If my parents agree to the meeting, I will be sure that it is in a public place and bring a parent along.

4.   I will talk with my parents about posting pictures of myself or others online and not post any pictures that my parents consider to be inappropriate.

5.   I will not respond to any messages that are mean or in any way make me feel uncomfortable. It is not my fault if I get a message like that. If I do I will tell my parents right away.

6.   I will talk with my parents so that we can set up rules for going online and using a mobile phone. We will decide upon the time of day that I can be online, the length of time I can be online and appropriate areas for me to visit. I will not access other areas or break these rules without their permission.

7.   I will not give out my passwords to anyone (even my best friends) other than my parents.

8.   I will check with my parents before downloading or installing software or doing anything that could possibly hurt our computer or mobile device or jeopardize my family’s privacy.

9.   I will be a good online citizen and not do anything that hurts other people or is against the law.

10. I will help my parents understand how to have fun and learn things online and teach them things about the Internet, computers and other technology

Please help to prevent internet crimes, they are real and happen everyday.  Go over these rules with your kids and make sure they understand each one and how it could effect them.