Resources

Safety On the Internet

Read here to get some great tips for keeping safe!

January 12, 2005

FILTERS
Bridgeport Public Schools will continue to help students with academic processes through the use of technology and the internet. For internet safety purposes we have a technology filter that protects our students from information that is unsafe. We monitor student use to assure that the websites the student opens is appropriate. If a students inadvertently opens an inappropriate site, the student has been instructed to shut down or contact the instructor or supervisor.
SAFETY
Bridgeport Public Schools has developed a safety plan to protect personal identifiable information. Parents and students can determine the extent that personal identifiable information will be used on the school web-site.
We encourage students to use technology to improve skills and increase knowledge. School and parents should work together to address any issues of appropriate and safe internet usage. Communication on any concern should be shared between parents and school.
Please read the following information for suggestion on student use of the internet. Thank you to the parents who are involved in their child’s education.

Randy Butcher
Superintendent, Bridgeport Public Schools

TIPS FOR PARENTS
(From Consumer Protection Division Nebraska Department of
Justice Attorney General Jon Bruning)

Explore the Internet with your children. It’s the best way to see what they see and help them find kid-friendly sites.
Once you’re at the sites with your children, help them understand why it is best to be careful about giving their real name, address or other personal information in a chat room, to online pen pals or electronic bulletin boards.
Your online provider should offer a filter that can make certain sites off limits. Learn how to use it. I your provider doesn’t offer this service, consider one that does or purchase software that can filter their activity when you’re not around.
Have rules about going online (when, why, and with whom present) and help your children understand that using the Internet for personal reasons is a privilege and not a right.
Teach your children the meaning of private and personal – even family—information. Encourage them to post messages only with your permission and supervision.
Show your child the difference between advertisement and entertainment. A young child may not realize when a favorite cartoon character is gathering market data or trying to sell them something.

INTERNET SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUNG ADULTS

Discuss with your parents which sites are off limits and which or OK. By setting some guidelines, and sticking to them, you will build trust.
Keep your passwords secret and change them regularly.
Never just assume someone is who they say they are.
Never give a phone number, address or photo to an online pen pal or someone you met in a chat room unless you talk to your parents first. And, never agree to meet an online acquaintance without discussing it with your parents.
Know the difference between advertising and entertainment – an it’s not as clear-cut as you might think.
Don’t respond to mean or threatening e-mails.
Follow these guidelines consistently, whether you are at home, school, the library or a friend’s house.
Finally, and this may be the most important rule of them all, never keep it to yourself. If you have any doubts about web sites, e-mail, or information you’re being asked to give, talk to your parents.

INTERNET RESOURCES FOR PARENTS

netsmartz.org – State of the art educational content focusing on online safety.
cleansurf.com – A filtered search engine.
cyberangels.com – A non-profit organization dedicated to Internet Safety.
microweb.com/pepsite/software/filters.html – Parental control and internet safety products.
familyguidebook.com/ - A family guidebook to the Internet
safekids.com/child_safety.htm – Child safety on the Information Highway.