Internet Surfing Safety Information
The following webpage helps parents, children and caregivers understand the risks and rewards of Internet use. Included at the bottom is information on the public library’s general philosophy on Internet use as expressed by the Canadian Library Association documents, as well a link to Georgina Public Libraries official policy: Public Access to Computers and Internet
A couple of recommended websites can tell you much more:
Be Web Aware http://www.bewebaware.ca
Media Awareness has created this site to provide practical information and tools that will equip parents to effectively manage Internet use in the home and to teach their kids to be Web savvy. Available in English and French
Get Netwise http://www.getnetwise.org/ Learn how to protect yourself & your children on the Internet.
Basic Internet Questions and Answers
What is the Internet?
A worldwide network of computers provides a wealth of information and ideas for learning, recreation, and business.
Who runs the Internet?
No one. Anyone with a computer and software can put information and ideas on the Internet. Some information is accurate. Some is wildly inaccurate.
Parents: Internet Surfing is a Family Affair
The Internet is similar to any other communication vehicle, such as television, radio, videos, or books. Your child needs your advice and guidance to make the most of the Internet experience.
Your have both the right and the responsibility to monitor, supervise, and set conditions and boundaries for your child s use of the Internet.
Every child develops intellectually, emotionally, and physically in a unique way. You, as a parent, can best evaluate your child s readiness to use the Internet, and judge their maturity to surf alone.
If you are not familiar with the Internet yourself, ask your librarian, take a course, consult a friend, or ask your child! Review sites with your child and bookmark your favourites. When you come across material you disapprove of, make it an opportunity to reinforce your family s values.
Be aware when your child is on-line. If you are concerned about what your child is accessing put your computer in the family room. If your children are young, remain in the room while they are exploring the Internet and check frequently to see what they are doing. Develop your own "Acceptable Use Policy" at home, just as many schools and school libraries are doing for Internet use.
Things parents should know about the Internet
The Internet enables children to learn how to search effectively for information, to become discriminating consumers of information, to develop on-line communication skills, and to learn a measure of personal responsibility. Be aware that your journey on the Internet may not be a private one.
Talking to strangers.
Teach your child that strangers on the Internet are no different than strangers on the street, on the phone, or at the mall. Emphasize to your child never to release private information, such as credit card numbers, contact information, computer passwords, or other private family information to strangers. Teach your child to seek your permission before meeting someone in person whom they have met on the Internet.
No secrets.
Teach your child to share cybersecrets and tell you if they see something frightening, offensive, or distasteful on the Internet.
Buyer beware.
Alert your child to Internet marketing practices or gimmicks aimed at young consumers. Teach your child not to perform any unfamiliar computing commands that an on-line contact recommends. These commands may do irreparable harm to your computer.
Commercial Internet filters: how do they work?
Most commercial software filters block words, phrases, subjects, and sites on the World Wide Web. Some Internet filters: Block sites based on the site s rating. A rating is assigned either voluntarily by the site owner, or by a third party (normally without the site owner s permission or knowledge) Many commercial filters block all sites that are not rated; enable monitoring of other Internet services such as e-mail, chat rooms, and news groups; block every site until you identify it as an approved site. Additionally, Use filters use American English and spelling, require regular updating, since thousands of new sites are added daily and they cannot distinguish the context in which a word is used which may filter out useful sites.
Why YOU are the only 100% guaranteed Internet filter for your child:
- Internet filters do not block all content that violates a particular family s values and beliefs.
- Internet filters do not always work as advertised. Testing shows that all Internet filters fail to block some sexually explicit sites.
- Filters cannot adapt to the age and level of maturity of a particular child.
- Filters do not help your child learn to make independent judgments and to say no.
- Choices of words, ideas, and topics to be blocked are driven by the product owner s personal values, ideology, and political agenda. These agendas may exclude sites that have information regarding sex education, environmentalism, homosexuality, abortion, or other health-related issues such as breast cancer, among others.
Libraries, the Internet and you.
Your library provides access to the widest possible variety of resources that meet the needs of all members of society. This may include resources that some may consider controversial or offensive. Library staff can advise and assist you in selecting information resources. Staff review and recommend good Internet resources, just as they select books and other library materials. You, as a parent, are responsible for supervising your child’s access to all library resources, including the Internet. If you are concerned about your child’s use of the Internet at the library, ask to see your school and public library’s Interent Use Policies.
The Canadian Library Association encourages libraries to:
Incorporate Internet use principles into overall policies on access to library resources, including time, place, and manner restrictions on Internet use, and user behaviour policies. Create library Web pages consistent with resource priorities that point to appropriately reviewed sites both for general use and for use by children. Educate their publics about principles of Intellectual Freedom and the role of libraries in facilitating access to resources in various forms of media including the Internet. Provide Internet information and training consistent with resource priorities.
Position statements regarding use of the Internet:
Statement on Intellectual Freedom, 1985
Principles of information and Telecommunication Access, 1994
Georgina Public Libraries Public Access to Computers and Internet
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