8 Steps to Safe Surfing for Students

Students,

Using the internet and its many tools will surely be a fun and rewarding part of our learning experience this year. I fully encourage all of you to use the internet, blogs, wikis, and other resources to make our experience richer and more fun. However, like with anything else, there are some risks and dangers that come along with internet use. Fortunately, there are some key guidelines that, if followed closely, will make our improve our online experiences, but keep them safe and appropriate as well. Here are some keys to safe surfing that you can follow to ensure that you stay out of trouble:

1) NEVER give out personal information, like your real name, where you live or go to school, or anything that would let someone know how to find you on any blog, message board, chat room, or social networking site like Facebook.

2) Do not post a picture of yourself on any website, even if it is your own, without your parents' persmission. Also, do not send pictures to anyone you meet on the internet in an email or any type of message.

3) Do not meet anyone in person that you only know through the internet unless your parents tell you it is okay to do so.

4) If you receive or see anything on the internet that makes you feel awkward, uncomfortable, or scared, inform your parents, another adult in your home or someone who works at your school immediately.

5) If you are ever threatened or harassed on the internet, please inform your parents or a teacher. Even if you know the person who sent the message, such as a classmate or someone from an after-school activity, tell an adult immediately. Everyone should feel safe and comfortable while enjoying the benefits of the internet, so don't let someone else ruin it for you.

6) Remember that on the internet, people can very easily lie about who they are - even about their age or whether they are a boy or girl. Even if someone has a picture of they say is of themselves, they could be trying to trick you. It is nearly impossible to know for sure the truth about someone you meet online, so it is important that you are careful about what you talk about or share with these individuals.

7) Don't sign up for any contest, drawing, giveaway or any type of 'free' items online. Simply put, these are lies people use to get information from you. Nothing is free, and if, for example, you did win a contest, you would not be notified on a webpage. Steer clear of any site or any person who is trying to give you something for free.

8) It is important that you know I will be informing your parents of what websites and internet tools we will be using. In turn, they will be keeping an eye on what sites you are visiting and what kind of online activities you are taking part in at home. At school, your other teacher and myself as well will be able to see what you are doing on the internet - even after you're done using the computer! Remember, this is not to be nosy or to annoy you, but to protect you and other students. In short, if you have any doubts about the sites you are visiting or what you are saying or sharing on the internet, ask a family member or a teacher before doing it.

For more tips on safe surfing, visit the following websites with your parents or an adult in your family:

KidsHealth.org's guide to Safe Cyberspace

FBI and Kids' Safety

...and especially for your parents:

FTC Facts on Protecting Kids' Privacy

Remember, the best thing you can do is ask an adult in your home or school about anything you are unsure of on the internet. Please ask me or someone at home right away as soon as you have a question.

Safe surfing everyone!