Although there have been some highly publicized cases of abuse involving the Internet and online services, reported cases are relatively infrequent. The fact that crimes are being committed online, however, is not a reason to avoid using these services. A better strategy would be to instruct children about both the benefits and dangers of cyberspace and for them to learn how to be "street smart" in order to better safeguard themselves in any potentially dangerous situation.
Background
  • Internet began in 1960’s.
  • Internet took off in 1990’s.
  • Tennessee connected all schools in 1996.
  • Millions in the world are now connected through the Internet.
  • No one is in charge and it is growing by leaps and bounds.
What Are the Risks?
  • Exposure to Inappropriate Material  that is sexual, hateful, or violent in nature, or encourages activities that are dangerous or illegal.
  • Physical Molestation situations that occur while online, in which a child might provide information or arrange an encounter that could risk his or her safety or the safety of other family members. In a few cases, pedophiles have used E-mail, bulletin boards, and chat areas to gain a child’s confidence and then arrange s face-to-face meeting.
  • Harassment in which a child might encounter E-mail or chat/bulletin board messages that are harassing, demeaning, or belligerent.
  • Legal and Financial consequences caused when a child could does something that has negative legal or financial consequences such as giving out a parent’s credit card number or doing something that violates another person’s rights. 
  • Hurting Others and Getting Into Trouble Avoid anything that might hurt people and risk getting yourself into trouble. You need to respect other people's privacy and avoid taking any actions that annoy, harass, or hurt other people. You are responsible for your behavior online. 
The school network has a filter, but no filter is foolproof.  Filtering technology has its place, but it's no substitute for old-fashioned monitoring.

Two great kid friendly search tools:
 

  • The first searches through Yahooligans, a kid-friendly version of the famous Yahoo database. 
  • Ask Jeeves for Kids. Just type a question in your own words and "Ask Jeeves."


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