Caution: The Internet is NOT Rated G

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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