Internet Safety and Netiquette


Dear Parents,
   The Internet has become a valuable resource for acquiring information and it is being used quite often in our schools. Children use the Internet for school reports and research projects and sometimes for fun. A growing number of children are using the Internet. It is important to educate ourselves and our children on Internet Safety and Netiquette. Below you will find the 10 Golden Rules on Internet Safety to read and go over them with your children. You can find these rules and more information WKN Internet Safety - URL: worldkids.net/school/safety/internet on Internet Safety.


Other Resource Areas:

  • The U.S. Department of Education Office of Educational Research and Improvement Office of Educational Technology "Parents Guide to The Internet"URL: www.ed.gov/pubs/parents/internet/. Parents can download this document in Portable Document Format (PDF) for reading and printing with the Adobe Acrobat reader.

  • The Cyber Tipline handles leads from individuals reporting the sexual exploitation of children. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children URL: http://www.missingkids.com/cybertip or call 1-800-843-5678.

  • Street Smart on the Web (from Yahooligans! For Kids)
    URL:www.yahooligans.com/docs/safety/index.html

  • Internet Literacy Kit page 2 (from Hawaii Department of Education) URL:www.k12.hi.us/~atr/ILK/html/.
    Click on Electronic Ethics & User Responsibility and then on Netiquette.

  • Safety Tips for Pen Pal Exchanges
    URL:www.siec.k12.in.us/~west/online/coll1b.htm

  • Dealing with Internet Abuses and Hazards
    URL:www.etc.bc.ca/tdebhome/spam.html.

  • The Core Rules of Netiquette - URL: www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html.Here you click on Netiquett quiz,(you will need a Java Script Browser to view this page) you and your child can read the questions and pick the best answers. Don't worry if you don't know the answer. When you click on Submit your answer, you will receive information on the correct answer.

    • Your child can get started on internet safety and netiquette by reading these 10 Golden Rule on Internet Safety from the Worldkids website.

    1. Ask your parents for permission before you log on!

      Read the internet safety tips together with your parents, teacher or guardian.Let them know what you are up to on-line. Only use the Internet when your parents have given you permission, and only for the time they allowed you to use it.

    2. Tell your parents to spend time with you while online .

      You might want to know some guidelines that your parents are concerned in the use of the computer such as time and the places to go in the World Wide Web.

      Show them your favorite places in the internet. Tell them about the people you meet on-line, and the things you talk about. Let them know of your keypals and their traditions. Get them involved in your on-line activities!

    3. Post your family's e-mail address even if you have your own!

      It's neat to have your own e-mail address but it is always a good idea to post your family's address, and then inform your own address after you are absolutely sure that the sender is trustworthy.

    4. Do NOT give out your home address, parents work address, or school information. This also holds true for telephone numbers.

      If you are entering a contest, or registering to enter new site, discuss it with your parents or guardians first and get their permission! Show them the site, and the reason why you would want to give out your address. If you have a PO Box, use that as your address!

      If you want to become "snail mail" pals with someone you should talk to your parents about it first, and get their permission to give out your address.

    5. You should NOT use your real last name while you are on-line, especially if it is unusual.

      A better idea is to use your middle name as a last name, or have fun and make one up! If you do decide that you would like to use your real last name, please talk to your parents about it first!

    6. Never agree to meet anyone, anywhere without talking to your parent or guardian about it and getting their approval.

      People may not be who they say they are! If you do decide to meet with someone that you have met on-line, talk to your parents first. If they agree to the meeting, have them come with you and meet in a public place (where there is a lot of other people around)!

    7. Never give out your password to anyone for any reason!

      The ONLY people that NEED to know it, already have it, no matter what they tell you!

    8. Don't reply to any e-mail messages if you feel that they are offensive, strange, mean or upsetting to you.

      Show the message immediately to your parents or teachers or any adult you trust so they may take the proper action or advise you on what to do . This is usually the best solution.

      Don't get discouraged if you receive messages that make you uncomfortable. Most of all don't imitate those kids that write rude messages.

      You can also write to Worldkids at safety@worldkids.net.

    9. Don't send scanned pictures of yourself or your family to anyone unless you have your parent's approval.

      If you have a homepage,your parents should also determine the pictures that you should put.

    10. Stop right away if you see or read something on a Web site that is upsetting or offensive to you.

      Some sites are not meant for children and you might have accidentally reached that site through a hyperlink. Talk to your parents or teacher about it.



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