Internet Safety

Digital citizenship and internet safety are part of our instruction at every grade level, but it is important to continue the conversation at home.  We encourage you to talk to your student about what they do online, appropriate and inappropriate behaviors, expectations, and healthy practices.  Listed below are some internet safety tips to help you with this discussion.  For more helpful Internet safety information, please visit www.netsmartz.org. Netsmartz.org has age-appropriate videos, activities, and information for students in elementary school, middle school, and high school.

Internet Safety Tips for Parents

•     Do teach your child not to post identifying information on the Internet.
  
•     Do set a limit for how much time your child can spend online.
  
•     Do keep the computer in a public room in the house. Do not have an Internet-connected computer in your child’s bedroom.
  
•     Do utilize parental controls provided by your Internet Service Provider and/or blocking software. (Contact your Internet ISP if you have questions).
  
•     Do periodically review your child’s computer and emails. You should have your child’s password.
  
•     Do spend time with your child online. Have them show you their favorite online destinations. Get to know your child’s online friends as you would their real-life friends. Learn to navigate the web.
  
•     Do monitor your child’s access to the Internet outside the home.
  
•     Do talk to your child about the danger of Internet predators and remind them that they should always tell you if they encounter something that makes them feel uncomfortable.
  
•     Do watch for unexplained changes in your child’s behavior.
  
•     Do NOT hesitate to seek help from law enforcement if you think a predator may be targeting your child.