 Take
pro-active action. Whenever possible, try to
address issues before they become a problem. When
your children begins to use the Internet, talk to
your child about appropriate use of the Internet
or install parental control software. Keep the
computer in a well-trafficked area so you can
monitor the activity without imposing too much
into their privacy.
Parental
Control Software
Filtering
programs that block out inappropriate sites
containing adult language, topics or graphics is
one safeguard, but it is not the ultimate
solution. Many browsers also contain screening
software such as Cyberpatrol. These programs are
effective in screening out the majority (but not
all) of inappropriate material, however, if
children are determined to access the material,
they will find it somehow. These programs may
also cause a delay in downloading websites that
are appropriate since they must be
"screened" first.
Discuss
Your Concerns with Your Children
 Discuss with your
children the risks of the Internet. Have your
children agree not to reveal any identifying
information online including their last name,
town, age or school. They should never agree to
meet anyone online without your permission.
Use your
children’s experiences on the Internet as a
way to discuss what your child is interested in.
Go online together and visit sites that are
informative, fun and/or educational. Stay
involved and explore the Web with them to
familiarize yourself with the areas they visit
regularly.
Stay
informed
Educate
yourself about the resources and risks online.
Visit this site for more information:
Child
Safety and the Information Superhighway
http://ericps.ed.uiuc.edu/npin/respar/texts/home/safety.html
Suzanne Baugher
|
There is still snow on the
ground in our part of the world, but if you look
closely at the edges of the melting snow, you
might find a little green pushing its head up
through the brown soil and leftover ice crystals.
The days are longer and the afternoon shadows
shorter. Signs that another season will be here
before we know it. Enjoy the waning days of
winter....the quiet time of year....store up and
energize for the active days ahead.
The past month has found
us on a virtual roller coaster of activity. Our
focus has been the Internet....the use of it,
safety issues, webpages, chat rooms and
discussion groups. We have given a seminar on
integrating the Internet into the curriculum. But
the area of greatest discussion has been the use
of chat rooms, email and discussion groups. We
cannot come to any consensus on the use of chat
groups with students......whether it is something
that students use frequently now......willl use
in the future.......and whether children/students
using them, are doing so in a secure environment.
We will keep you informed on this issue in the
future. If you can shed some light on the subject
please email us at 
Here are
some tips to help you when you are
feeling tired and listless: 
