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Child Safety Policy
Child - Alert - Be careful with personal information!
The Internet, a global "network of networks," is not governed by any entity.
This leaves no limits or checks on the kind of information that is maintained by and
accessible to Internet users. Most people who use online services have mainly positive
experiences. But, like any endeavor - traveling, cooking, or attending school - there are
some risks. The online world, like the rest of society, is made up of a wide array of
people. Most are decent and respectful, but some may be rude, obnoxious, insulting, or
even mean and exploitative.
Of course, like most crimes againt children, many cases go unreported, especially if
the child is engaged in an activity that he or she does not want to discuss with a parent
or teacher. The fact that crimes are being committed online, however, is not a reason to
avoid using these services. To tell children to stop using these services would be like
telling them to forget attending school because students are sometimes victimized on the
schoolyard. A better strategy would be for children to learn how to be "street
smart" in order to better safeguard themselves in any potentially dangerous
situation.
What Are the Risks?
Material One risk is that a child may be exposed to inappropriate material of a sexual or
violent nature.
Another risk is that, while online, an child might provide information or arrange and
encounter that could risk his or her safety or the safety of other family members. In a
few cases, pedophiles have used online services and bulletin boards to gain a child's
confidence and then arrange a face-to-face meeting.
A third risk is that children might encounter E-mail or bulletin board messages that are
harassing, demanding, or belligerent.
How Parents and Teachers Can Reduce the Risks
The best way to assure that your children are having positive online experiences is to
stay in touch with what they are doing. One way to do this is to spend time with your
children while they're online. Have them show you what they do and ask them to teach you
how to access the services.
Guidelines for Parents and Teachers
By taking responsibility for your children's online computer use, parents and teachers can
greatly minimize any potential risks of being online. Make it a rule to:
- Never give out identifying information - home address, school name, or telephone number
- in a public message such as chat, and be sure you're dealing with someone that both you
and your children know and trust before giving out via E-mail. Think carefully before
revealing any personal information such as age, martial status, or financial information.
Consider using a pseudonym or unlisting your child's name if your service allows it.
- Get to know the services your child uses. If you don't know how to log on, get your
child to show you. Find out what types of information it offers and whether there are ways
for parents and teachers to block out objectional material.
- Never allow a child to arrange a face-to-face meeting with another computer user without
parental permission. If a meeting is arranged, make the first one in a public spot, and be
sure to accompany your child.
- Never respond to messages or bulletin board items that are suggestive, obscene,
belligerent, threatening, or make you feel uncomfortable. Encourage your chidren to tell
you if they encounter such messages. If you or your child receives a message that is
harassing, of a sexual nature, or threatening, forward a copy of the message to your
service provider and ask for their assistance.
- Should you become aware of the transmission, use, or viewing of child pornography while
online, immediately report this to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
by calling 1-800-843-5678 (in the USA). You should also notify your online service.
- Remember that people online may not be who they seem. Because you can't see or even hear
the person it would be easy for someone to misrepresent him-or herself. Thus, someone
indicating that "she" is a "12-year-old girl" could in reality be a
40-year-old man.
- Remember that everything you read online may not be true. Any offer that's "too
good to be true" probably is. Be very careful about any offers that involve your
coming to a meeting or having someone visit your house.
- Set reasonable rules and guidelines for computer use by your children (see "Rules
for Online Safety" as sample). Discuss these rules and post them near the computer as
a reminder. Remember to monitor their compliance with these rules, especially when it
comes to the amount of time your children spend on the computer. A child or teenager's
excessive use of online services or bulletin boards, expecially late at night, may be a
clue that there is a potential problem. Remember that personal computers and online
services should not be used as electronic babysitters.
Rules for Online Safety for Children
• I will not give out personal information such as my address, telephone number,
parent's work address/telephone number, or the name and location of my school without my
teacher's and/or parent's permission.
• I will tell my teacher and/or parents right away if I come across any information
that makes me feel uncomfortable.
• I will never agree to get together with someone I "meet" online without
first checking with my teacher and/or parents. If my teacher and/or parents agree to the
meeting, I will be sure that it is in a public place and bring my mother or father along.
• I will never send a person my picture or anything else without first checking with
my teacher and/or parents.
• I will not respond to any messages that are mean or in any way make me feel
uncomfortable. It is not my fault if I get a message like that. If I do I will tell my
teacher and/or parents right away so that they can contact the online service.
• I will talk with my teacher and/or parents so that we can set up rules for going
online. We will decide upon the time of day that I can be online, the length of time I can
be online, and appropriate areas for me to visit. I will not access other areas or break
these rules without their permission.
For further information on child safety, please call the National Center for Missing
and Exploited Children (USA) at (00)1-800-THE-LOST ((00)1-800-843-5678). See also http://www.4j.lane.edu/InternetResources/Safety/Introduction.html
"Help find a missing child"
(c) 2001, 2002 - Rene
de Vries, Joan Goble and Hajime Yanase |
