Keeping Kids Safe on the Internet John Minelli Educational Technology Specialist Hartford School District

Families and schools must assume a leadership role in preparing youth for success in the emerging information age. This preparation goes beyond skill in mathematics, understanding scientific principles and effective writing. Preparation for success in the information age must include: A respect for the laws and standards that society has agreed upon for governing behavior related to the use of information technologies, including appropriate ways to work with others to change laws which are not in the best interest of society; The ability to engage in moral reasoning and decision-making, especially when there are conflicts in values and interests; and The moral motivation and self-control to engage in appropriate and ethical behavior, even in situations where there is freedom to do otherwise. Nancy Willard The Mission:

Phishing Address Spoofing How do you know it is fraudulent? Not addressed to you. Do your children know these are not legitimate? Teachable moments!

NetSmartz

Privacy Everything is stored! Front Page Test Messages Travel Profiling Personal Information Banner Ads Spam (archived, retrievable, PERMANENT!)

What’s Personal? Personal Information: Full Name Address Name of School School Address Address Family Phone Number Passwords Credit Card Information Mother’s Maiden Name Social Security Number Passwords: Nicknames Pet’s Name Birthday Don’t give out: Age Male or Female Mother or Father’s Name

Privacy (cont.) How do you keep things private? By telling your children what things are private and why it is important they remain private. Be sure the website is secure. Have a Scavenger Hunt! Personal Information Address, Home Phone # Buy something with your child

Media Awareness Network Jo Cool or Jo Fool? Jo Cool or Jo Fool

Tracking Online Activity Cache (Tools, Internet Options, Settings, View Files) History (History Icon) Cookies – can also look for.txt files Video -.mov,.mpg,.mpeg,.avi,.wmv Images -.jpg,.jpeg,.gif,.bmp

Internet Explorer

Filtering Software Block out going personal information Block access to offensive websites Drawbacks? Can filter valuable content No lessons learned False sense of security Recommendation Net Nanny Cybersitter Cyberpatrol Consumer Reports

Additional Tools Monitoring Software Other Tools Control Key LogOffNow An Internet Safety Contract

More Tips - At Home Put the computer in a central location Set Time limits Online for a purpose (even if it’s just for fun) Give a little look “Over the shoulder” Know their screen name

Get NetWise iSafe Be Web Aware Microsoft At Home Additional Resources available on the web

“But my son/daughter knows more about computers than I do!” Open up a dialogue about this topic. Get help from the experts. Start Fresh. You pay the bills – turn it off; take away the computer! Visits the sites I mention. Learn. Ask your school to get involved in the education of your children on Internet Safety. Assemble a Parental Support Team. (use your resources to get what you want – just like your children do!) Work with your child. Internet Safety is important to both of you.