Keeping children safe on the internet
If you’re like most parents, you have rules about what TV shows and movies your children are allowed to watch, how far they are able to stray from home and when they need to call you to ensure they’re safe. You should also consider setting similar rules for your children’s internet use and be aware of their on-line activities.
Even without trying, children can come across materials on the internet that are obscene, pornographic, violent, hate filled, racist or offensive in other ways. "Just by making a simple typing mistake children can get into an unsafe site," says Harold Brathwaite, director of education. "That’s why it’s important for schools and parents to teach children internet safety in addition to fire, bicycle, traffic and other safety measures."
In Peel schools, students learn how to use the internet as a research and communication tool. Learning how to access information through the internet helps students become aware of available resources that exist outside the classroom and school library. Students also benefit from learning how to competently analyze and evaluate information. In addition, students may use the internet for communication where it is appropriate for their learning.
But, even under the teacher’s supervision, misadventure and poor student behaviour happens. It’s impossible for teachers to watch every student at every machine at all times. Schools can help by raising issues of internet safety with students, parents and the community. In addition, every Peel school has a plan in place to promote appropriate student use of the internet.
The Peel board’s guidelines for student use of the internet outline student, board and school responsibilities. The guidelines encourage internet use that is legal and courteous and that supports existing school codes of conduct. The board and school’s responsibilities include ensuring appropriate supervision and monitoring student internet use. Based on the board’s overall policy, each school has developed its own specific appropriate use guidelines for the internet. For a copy of the school’s guidelines, contact your child’s school. The board’s policy is also available at the school or by calling 890-1010, ext. 2011.
At home, you play an important role in helping your children learn more about safe conduct on the internet. "Parents help their children make choices about what books to read, what movies to see and what field trips to take. Helping children make wise choices about internet use is really no different than teaching children responsibility in all aspects of life," says Brathwaite.
Here are some steps to help you ensure that your children use the internet as safely as possible:
- make sure your children understand what sites are appropriate for them
- discuss the meaning of an ‘unsafe’ site with your children
- explain to your children what they should do if they reach an unsafe site
- make exploring new web sites a family activity
- use search engines designed for kids – ask your school for ideas
- pay attention to the games your children may download or copy
- look into software or on-line services that filter out offensive materials or sites
We always make sure we tell our children to be wary of strangers they meet. When it comes to internet use, the same rules apply. Ensure children know they should:
- never give out personal information (including name, address, phone number, age, school name or location)
- never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they meet on-line
- never use bad language or send mean messages
- never respond to e-mail messages that make them feel confused or uncomfortable
