|
With the vast web of people, ideas and information available on the Internet, it is important for parents teach their kids how to navigate the Internet safely.
• Make time to learn about the Internet and how it works. Every computer with Internet access has search engines designed specifically for children that lead to sites selected especially for kids. It's important to become familiar with the Internet so you can use this medium with your children. Cook offers basic computer classes that teach how to use the Internet.
• Set rules and instill values. Until children are taught how to conduct a search, how to know the difference between an Internet pal and an unsavory stranger, how to protect private information, and so forth, it would be best if their Internet use were supervised by a responsible adult or guided by for-children Web pages. There are many common sense tips that can ensure children have a positive online experience:
• Teach your children to value privacy—theirs and yours. Children should be taught not to give personal information, such as their names and addresses, to strangers online as well as off. They must agree not to meet some one they meet online without a parent or guardian present.
• Teach your children guidelines to use in selecting what they view. Not every web site is right for every child, anymore than every book in the library is suitable for every person. It's up to you to let your children know what subjects and web sites are off limits and why.
• Encourage your child to ask the librarian for help when seeking information on the Internet.
• For more tips, visit the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (www.ncmec.org), Netsmartz (www.netsmartz.org) or the American Library Association (www.ala.org).
Complete rules and procedures about using computers within the Cook Memorial Public Library District can be found here. If you have questions about Internet safety, please call the Library at (847) 362-2330.
This page was adapted from guidelines established by the American Library Association.
|
