It
is not uncommon for parents to feel like they do not know
enough about the computer or the Internet to be able to
exercise authority over its use. These are some online resources
for parents to learn about Internet Safety and the computer.
Online
Courses
CyberAngels:
One component of this site is the online interactive tutorials
and classes (on topics such as dangers to children, chat
rooms, and protection measures). Classes are free to
the public, and held in an easy to access private chat room.
Ewing,
New Jersey SeniorNet: This site is concerned with teaching
basic points about computers and operating systems, including
system configuration and tweaks, file management, computer
maintenance, and safety. There is a separate section covering
Internet safety with particular attention to avoiding viruses,
worms, Trojan horses, spyware, and other Web hazards.
WiredSafety:The Wired-Ed program offers over 50 classes to both
members of WiredSafety and to the general public. These
classes range from welcoming the new WiredSafety member
into the organization to teaching folks about viruses and
firewalls to helping your children surf safely. Parents
can learn about risks their children face online and how
to minimize those risks.
GetNetWise:
This site has video tutorials that explain how to configure
the browser or operating system for security, privacy, and
cookies, as well as spam tutorials and tutorials on reporting
spam.
WebWise:
Learn how to use the Internet Step by Step.
WebWiseKids:
This parent course is divided into five lessons - Internet
Safety, the World Wide Web, Email, Chat and Instant Messaging,
and Personal Web Sites. The lessons are stand alone and
can be taken in any order.
BeSafeOnline:
While not a course, this site explains many of the technologies
used today, including the World Wide Web, Personal Webpages,
Email, Chat, Instant Messaging, Newsgroups, File-Sharing,
Shopping Online, Filtering Software, Computer Viruses, and
Bullying Online.
Internet101:
Internet 101 was created for those who want to know
just the basics. This guide will provide you with enough
knowledge to have fun on the Internet, yet will not bore
you with too many details.
BeWebAware:
The Internet is fantastic, but there are risks. Your
involvement is essential. This site provides the tools you
need to help keep your kids safe online. This site
includes information on various technologies and safety
tips for your child by ages from 2 - 17 years of age.
2Learn:
These are tutorials to help Kindergarten to 3rd grade students
learn the basics of computer use, like using a mouse.
NetSafe:
You can download the Hector Safety Button created by
the NetSafe Programme of New Zealand to help keep children
safe online. If a child is upset or worried about an
image that comes up on the screen, they simply click
on Hector. He immediately covers the screen with a beautiful
underwater scene, and a reassuring message that the
child has done the right thing, and now can go and get
adult help.
Disney
FamilyFun: 5 FamilyFun strategies
for keeping kids safe online...that can go a long way toward
making your kids' Internet experiences more like Barney
and less like Baywatch or worse. This site explains
how the technology solutions work (or don't)...and lets
you decide for yourself what's right for your family.
GetNetWise:
There are many tools available that parents can employ
to guide their children to safe and rewarding online experiences.
There are also many different types of tools that may fit
your family's needs and values...You can enter your own
search terms in the GetNetWise Tools for Families database.
The database allows you to tailor your search with many
variables such as specific operating systems (e.g. mac,
windows, linux), types of content (e.g. sexually explicit,
hate, violent), and type of technology (e.g. Web, instant
messaging, peer-to-peer).
FilterReview:
This site allows you to select what features you are
looking for in a safety solution, and then presents you
with options that closely match your criteria. It
also provides a way to give your opinion and receive feedback
from other individuals on the numerous choices available.
Quotes
and descriptions taken directly from websites are indicated
by italics.
