Introduction to Technologies

Because technologies develop quickly, it can be difficult to determine what a particular technology encompasses. These pages are designed to give a quick understanding of the different technologies that are in use by our children as well as some of the dangers associated with them. Many of the dangers overlap the different technologies. For instance, cyberbullying can occur using personal Web sites, cell phones and instant messaging. Resources are provided on most pages to assist the reader in learning more about the technology. It is by no means a complete list of sites.

This site approaches the issue from two directions. This set of pages starts with the technologies and their respective dangers and then lists more resources if you wish to continue in more depth. The other approach is to start with the risks children face and the technologies associated with those risks. Click here to go to that set of pages.

One thing that you may notice as you read these pages is that for many of the technologies, programs must be installed on your computer. Peer 2 Peer and Instant Messaging are examples of technologies that require programs. You should decide as a family if the required programs are some that you want installed. Be aware also that other programs, such as spyware, may be installed with some of the applications.

It is our goal to provide information to families and community leaders in order to help them provide safe environments for our young people. Some of the dangers are difficult to see and more difficult to imagine and yet they are very real. If we have not covered something that is of interest to you please let us know. Click here to generate an email to the CyberSafety coordinator or if you prefer use the contact page.

Useful Resource
BBC Ask Bruce - Instant answers to your Internet questions regarding technologies

Quotes and descriptions taken directly from websites are indicated by italics.