Exploring the Internet...A Message for Kids & Teens

Online Rules of Safety

  • I will not give out personal information such as my address, telephone number, email, picture, parents' work address/telephone number, credit card number, or the name and location of my school without my parents' permission.
  • I will tell my parents if I come across any information that makes me feel uncomfortable. I will not open email, files, links, pictures, or games from people that I don't know or trust.
  • I will always use a pretend name that doesn't reveal anything about me when using the Internet. I will never reveal my password to anyone in order to avoid having it stolen.
  • I will never agree to get together with someone I "meet" online without first checking with my parents. If my parents agree to the meeting, I will be sure that it is in a public place and bring my parent(s) or guardian along.
  • I will not believe everything I read on the Internet. I will always check the source of information and confirm it with a parent, teacher, or librarian.
  • I will practice responsible online behavior:
    • I will talk with my parents so that we can set up rules for going online including when I can go online, how long I can be online and appropriate areas I can visit online.
    • I will not make any online purchases without my parents' permission.
    • I will not post or send inappropriate messages or threats to anyone online.
    • I will not take words, pictures or sounds from someone else's Web site without their permission.

My Rules for Online Safety is inspired by Child Safety on the Information Highway.

Guidelines for use in the Library

  • You will need a library card and PIN (personal identification number) to use the Internet at the library. A library card is free and everyone, regardless of age, is able to have one.
  • If you forget your PIN number, library staff can help you.
  • You may need to sign up to use the computers at the library.
  • Sign ups are for thirty minutes. You can use up to two hours of computer time in one day.

Evaluating Websites
Here are some guidelines to help you choose the most useful web site.

  • Who -- Who is the author of your website? What are his or her qualifications? Is information about the author clearly stated or easy to access? What organization, company, government, school, or university supports the information?
  • What -- What is the purpose of the website? Is its purpose to inform, persuade, or entertain? Is the information biased?
  • When -- When was the web site created and last updated? Is it current? Are the links to other sites working?
  • Where -- Where is this Web page located? Is it a personal home page? Is it part of an organization, government, or school?
  • Why -- Why would you use this site? Is the information useful to you? Does it answer your questions or help you with your homework?

Remember, ask your librarian to help you find the best information to answer your questions.