CyberSafety!
Traveling into cyberspace can be lots of fun, educational and just plain necessary. But...just like traveling to any city, there are places you can go and places you shouldn't go. There are things you can do and things you shouldn't do. There are people you should talk to and shouldn't talk to.
In this lesson we'll discuss all the aspects of being cybersafe.
PART 1
Don't share personal information!
Many web sites ask you to provide your information in order to get access to their games and tools. Sometimes that is okay. Other times it is not. Recognize first: WHAT IS PRIVATE?
1. full name
2. your street address
3. your email address, phone number and age
4. any of your passwords
5. your calling card number
6. your families' and friends' names and information
7. your parents' place of work
8. photos where you, your family and friends can be recognized
9. name of your school and school address
When is it okay to give out this information? Never! Never give out your personal information unless your parents or teacher says it's okay! For example, we use RenWeb at our school to access our teachers' web sites and to see our homework and grades. We have to have an email address to do this. We have to login with our name and password to do this. Is this okay? In this case, yes it is because RenWeb is managed by our school and because we have safety features protecting all of our information.
Let's look at these sites and decide if we can give out our information.
http://www.webkinz.com/us_en/
http://libwww.library.phila.gov/faq/eref.cfm
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ngkids/9912/soundoff/soundoff.html
http://www.myspace.com/
PART 2
How do I protect the computers I use?
There are 3 ways to protect your computer from computer hackers and viruses:
1. Firewall --Keep hackers and criminals out of your computer by activating your built-in firewall or downloading a firewall for your computer. Firewall software will allow you to surf the Internet and download content you want, but it will also prevent hackers from getting into your computer. Most computers operating systems with built in firewalls. If not, you can learn more here: http://security.getnetwise.org/tools/firewall
2. Anti-virus Software -- Computer hackers create viruses (think bugs) that enter your computer and corrupt your computer's operating system. Anti-virus software can stop these bugs from entering. To make sure your software offers the highest level of protection, you must update your anti-virus software regularly. Most commercial anti-virus software include a feature which allows you to download updates automatically when you are on the Internet.
3. Email filters -- Many viruses are passed via e-mail. To cut down on the amount of unwanted and unknown e-mail that fills your inbox, use e-mail filters. Many e-mail clients have filters built-in to the program. This web site will give you more information on how to activate email filters: http://security.getnetwise.org/tools/filters
PART 3
What is a cyberbully?
Online bullying, called cyberbullying, happens when people use the Internet, cell phones, or other devices to send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person. Cyberbullying takes on many forms. For example, cyberbullies:
_Pretend they are other people online to trick others
_Spread lies and rumors about victims
_Trick people into revealing personal information
_Send or forward mean text messages
_Post pictures of victims without their consent
What can you do to avoid and prevent cyberbullies?
_Refuse to pass along cyberbullying messages
_Tell friends to stop cyberbullying
_Block communication with cyberbullies
_Report cyberbullying to a trusted adult
Let's take a closer look at cyberbullying:
middle school: 3 part series on Netsmartz.org.
lower el: http://www.netsmartzkids.org/indexFL.htm
DO:
K-3rd: 1. View Netsmartz.org, play some of the cybersafe games and discuss what you learned. 2) Sign the safety pledge (review and sign in class, then take home a copy)! 3. Later in year view PPTs and PSAs created by 4th to 8th graders
4th-6th: 1. View Netsmartz.org and play some of the cybersafe games then discuss what you learned. 2. Sign the safety pledge (review and sign in class. take home copy).
7th-8th: 1. Sign the safety pledge (review and sign in class, then take home a copy). 2. Review FrontLine's "Growing Up Online" a 1-hour special on students and cybersafety. 3) Post your comments on the show to your class blog (see details in Blog). Blog posting will receive 10 points.
References
http://www.getnetwise.org/
http://www.cybersmartcurriculum.org/home/
http://www.netsmartz.org/
