Parent+Info

=Should I Let My Child Use The Internet?= As parents, we want to protect our children and shelter them from as much of the world as possible to keep them safe. Unfortunately, **denying access to the Internet is the worst thing that we can do for our children** from a learning perspective and from a future career standpoint. Instead of denying access to the Internet, our focus should be to allow limited access to approved sites and educate our children about the importance of Internet Safety so they can be empowered to make decisions that will keep them safe. Online collaboration is the way of the future and almost all high schools and colleges now use course management sites such as Blackboard as the primary mode of education. The fact is, students who are not exposed to online educational tools are at a competitive disadvantage with their peers that are exposed to online educational tools.

=What Can I Do To Monitor Internet Access?=

Use the following resources to teach your child about Internet Safety and Cyberbullying. This information will be covered in class but reinforcement of the information at home will show your child the importance of Internet Safety.


 * [[file:SafetyontheInternetweb.pdf]] || This Internet Safety Guide has been published by Baltimore County to help you educated your child about the importance of Internet Safety. Use Page 9 as a contract between you and your child for computer and Internet use in your home. ||
 * [|www.wiredkids.org] || **Wired Kids, Inc. is a U.S. charity dedicated to protecting all Internet users, especially children, from cybercrime and abuse.** It operates several programs and Web sites designed to help everyone learn how to protect their privacy and security online and to teach responsible Internet use. ||
 * [|www.stopcyberbullying.org] || "Cyberbullying" is when a child, preteen or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another child, preteen or teen using the Internet, interactive and digital technologies or mobile phones. This site has helpful tips for preventing and dealing with cyberbullying if it occurs. ||