Guidelines for Internet Safety: What Students Need To Know

The Internet is a powerful tool that should be used wisely.

• The Internet allows students access to a vast library of previously unavailable resources.
• The Internet enables students to communicate with people around the world.
• The Internet provides a creative outlet for students skilled in writing, art, music, science,mathematics, and other topics.
• Students need to know that not all Internet information is valid or appropriate.
• Sexually explicit material or violent images can affect students negatively.
• Sexual predators will try to convince students to trust them.
• Internet information may promote negative attitudes, such as hate or intolerance, and dangerous or illegal activities, such as self-injuring behavior, gambling, and illegal drug use. Students should be taught specifically how to maximize the Internet’s potential while protecting themselves from potential abuse.
• The critical-thinking skills students learn in the classroom, library, and lab should be applied to Internet resources and Web searching.
• Students need to know what to do and who to ask for help when they encounter a person or site on the Internet that is offensive or threatening to them.
• Students and adults are strongly encouraged to be responsible citizens. Report illegal Internet communications and activities to Internet Service Providers and local law enforcement
  authorities.