May 1999
#109 | Use filtering software. Many Internet providers are also providing filtering tools. Parents can see where their children have gone by going to "History" in the browser software. This will show which sites the child has used for the past nine days.
Never give out personal information to anyone over the Internet. Tell someone in authority immediately if anyone asks for your name, address, phone number, etc. |
April 1999
#108 | Downloading files and E-Mails can expose a computer to viruses. Avoid getting a virus by downloading from familiar sites and checking the files ahead of time. The Virus Bulletin is a website that describes viruses and ways to get rid of them. The Symantec site also has information about viruses and virus hoaxes. |
March 1999
#107 | Filtering software is available for networked computers. Check with the school administrators for information regarding individual schools and districts.
The new "smart" browsers will remember and complete previously visited website addresses if they are partially entered.
Microsoft Internet Explorer now allows the user to print only one page of a website instead of printing the entire site. |
February 1999
#106 | Copy-cat Websites to Avoid - People develop inappropriate websites with addresses/domains which are similar to the real websites. They may have one or more different letters in the address, or the domain may have been changed. The best methods of prevention are to be with the students when they are online, make sure you have the correct address, and to check out the website ahead of time. |
January 1999
#105 | With electronic publishing becoming more common in our schools, it's important to watch what information students are putting on the Web. Pictures and names of students should not be used when creating publications. Students need to abide by their school's Acceptable Use Policy to guide them in what is appropriate. |
December 1998
#104 | Chat rooms are defined as Internet tools that allow a user to "chat" or type in real time over the Internet. They are places where you can meet interesting people, but they can also be tricky. It's best to use "moderated chat rooms" where a person monitors the post of room participants. An "unmoderated chat room" has no monitor. Emoticons can also be used to help ensure safety in chat rooms. |
November 1998
#103 | Filtering software is software used to block access to sites that are not child/student friendly. Popular filtering software packages include SURF WATCH, Cyber Patrol, and Net Nanny. |
October 1998
#102 | Acceptable Use Policies are contracts between the user and the school system saying that the user will not enter into inappropriate searches or sites. In order to be able to share in the wealth or resources on the Internet, users must be responsible or suffer the ramifications that come with abusing the policies. |
September 1998
#101 | Most schools have students sign an AUP, or Acceptable Use Policy. Students are made aware of school regulations regarding using the Internet. They are cautioned not to use last names, or send addresses or pictures. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has brochures available on line. The address is: http://www.missingkids.com. |
