Caution: The Internet is NOT Rated G

The Homeschool Diner's

Caution: The Internet is not G Rated!

by Julie Shepherd Knapp, copyright 2006

Please read this article before sending your child
on any unsupervised Internet search:

There are many websites that are inappropriate for youngsters (both in content and
intent). Before you start your child on an Internet research project you need to do your
own research on what "safe surfing" means for children. After you have familiarized
yourself with the potential problem areas, you can pass the information on to your child
in age-appropriate terms they will understand.

For starters, explain the idea of Internet "street smarts" to your child. For example, let
them know what is and isn't safe to "click" on, be sure they know an advertisement when
they see one, do not let them enter "Chat Rooms" without your supervision, and do not
let them fill out online "registration" forms without your consent. The Internet is a part of
21st Century life - give your child the tools and tips he or she will need navigate it safely
- with wisdom and confidence.

Here are some articles with tips for "safe surfing":

"Web Surfing Safety: 5 FamilyFun strategies for keeping kids safe online" by
Gregory Lauzon of Family Fun Magazine

The American Library Association has lists of "Child-friendly" search engines and
other resources for "safe surfing"

Yahooligans! -- Web Guide for Kids, articles on safe surfing

Here is a review of Internet filter software you can purchase and install on your
computer - Top Ten Reviews: Internet Filter Software

These documents talk about the "reliability" of Internet resources and how to
recognise "quality" websites:

"Evaluating Internet Research Sources" by Robert Harris, Virtual Salt, November
17, 1997

"Evaluating Websites: PART of the Research Process" - by the Owens Library of
Northwest Missouri State University

Why parents need to worry

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: Online Risks
Internet Safety News: Amy's Story

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