No matter where you are at, it is important to be a good citizen by following rules of that place. The internet is a "place" with rules just like any other place that you might visit. People who use the internet can be referred to as "cybercitizens". You should establish, learn, and practice rules of the internet before you log on, so that you can be a "good cybercitizen".
Visit http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/cybercrime/rules/rules.htm for "Rules in Cyberspace." Here is a quick summary of these rules:
DO:
1. use the internet for schoolwork
2. use the internet to visit museums
3. use the internet to meet children from other countries
4. be careful about talking to strangers
5. learn more about colleges and universities
6. respect privacy of others
7. be careful when downloading programs
DON'T:
1. give your password to anyone.
2. answer messages that make you feel uncomfortable
3. give any personal information
4. arrange to meet anyone you "met" online
5. try to break into computers
6. steal copyrighted programs
7. make copies of copyrighted material
8. copy material you find online and pretend it's your own work
There are many questions for families and schools to consider when allowing computer and internet access to children. What rules will we have for our own children at home regarding use of the computer and internet? What policies does our school have for internet use in their school? What internet use issues do we need to be concerned about? What do you believe we should teach our kids about computer and internet use? Let's share our ideas to make our homes and schools computer and internet safe places to be!
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If I had to do it over again...I would NEVER have allowed my kids to have computers or cell phones in their bedrooms! There are just too many opportunities to "lose track" of their friends, activities and family interactions. We have recently gone wireless in our home, and although it can be very noisy in our living room; I enjoy knowing what my family is doing!
ReplyDeleteYou are not alone! It is a great practice to make computer and internet use in shared spaces. There are more opportunities for discussion and close monitoring of appropriate use! More "teachable" moments arise when computer and internet use are in open areas of the household.
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