Internet Safety

These 3rd graders from Mrs. Rathbone's class are working in pairs at the computers doing an online Internet Safety Quiz. It's a fun activity that reviews and reinforces the ideas we've discussed during some of our Library classes. This online quiz is used as a self-assessment; then they will have a test to demonstrate their knowledge. As I tell them, it's mostly common sense.

A student once asked me why we were covering Internet Safety in Library classes. Not only is it part of our curriculum and standards, but I think all of us know it doesn't hurt to hear the messages about keeping yourself safe in many different places. Believe me, the students in 3rd and 4th grade always have plenty of questions and comments!

We keep it simple and do not go into horror stories they may have heard on the news. The main talking points come from these "FBI Internet Safety Tips" (c2003):

#1 Never give out personal information
#2 Never write to someone who makes you feel uncomfortable, even if you know who they are.
#3 Never meet someone or have them visit you without your parent's permission.
#4 Tell a trusted adult right away if you read or see anything on the Internet that makes you feel uncomfortable.
#5 Remember that people online may not be who they say they are.

Don't we all hope our students grow up to make good, common-sense decisions about being online?