Since we live in an information age, students must be proficient in using the Internet to access information, employ real-time audio/visual communications to collaborate and work with others anywhere around the world, and creatively express their ideas by creating online multi-media presentations.  Their ability to seek, analyze, and evaluate information to solve problems and make decisions will determine their success in tomorrow’s workplace.  It is our responsibility as educators, parents, and community leaders to ensure our students have the necessary knowledge and skills to take advantage of all the Internet has to offer in order to allow them to become productive members in our society. 

However, there are some very real hazards that our students need to be aware of and learn how to avoid as they navigate this valuable resource. With that in mind, this guide was designed to provide parents with Internet safety tips and resources that they can share and discuss with their children.

General Internet Safety Rules for Students:

1. Do not give out private information.
2. Never share your password except with parents.
3. Never meet an online friend in person without your parents permission.
4. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, DO NOT reply just sign off and tell a parent or teacher.
5. Don't flirt with strangers.
6. Tell your parents if you think someone has your private information.
7. Don't include your real name in your email address.
8. Use a screen name that is different than your email address.
9. Do not open or respond to email from people you do not know just delete it.
10. Nothing you do on the Internet is private and once posted cannot be taken back.

Resources:

Learn how you can keep your child safe in the online environment.

Parenting information that can help facilitate discussions with your child about Internet safety.

Take this Net Smart Quiz with your child to review safety tips when communicating online.

Cyberbullying is becoming more prevalent online and the more your child is online the greater the chances of being cyberbullied. This site provides a wealth of resources that not only help you learn what Cyberbullying is but ways you can prevent it. It also provides information on Internet Safety and Social Networks.

Take this quiz to see if you or your child have ever been cyberbullied.

The FBI has a guide to help you understand the "complexities of on-line child exploitation."

Want to know what some of those acronyms that your child is using mean? This site allows to look through an alphabetized list or perform a search for an acronym, based on text you enter.

Here are 27 Internet acronyms used in online discussions that may be used to hide "inappropriate behavior from parents prying eyes."

Play this interactive game with your child to learn how to be safe when communicating with others on the Internet.

Here is an Internet Survival Guide for Parents