Internet Safety Information and Resources

District 202 Internet Safety Information and Resources

Internet Safety Act
This is the latest version of the Public Act 095-0869 amendment to the Illinois School Code that addresses the Internet safety education curriculum requirements. Beginning with the 2009-2010 school year it requires Internet safety to be taught at least once each school year to all students in grade 3 or above, with the scope and duration of the unit to be determined by the school board.

Seven topics identified as needing to be addressed are:

Safe & responsible use of social networking websites, chat rooms, electronic mail, bulletin boards, instant messaging, and other means of communication on the Internet.
Recognizing, avoiding, and reporting online solicitations of students, their classmates, and their friends by sexual predators.
Risks of transmitting personal information on the Internet.
Recognizing and avoiding unsolicited or deceptive communications received online.
Recognizing and reporting online harassment and cyber-bullying.
Reporting illegal activities and communications on the Internet.
Copyright laws on written materials, photographs, music, and video.

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=095-0869

Helpful Websites for Students and Parents:

bNetS@vvy
This comprehensive website on Internet safety was developed by the National Education Association Health Information Network to provide educators, parents, and other adults with the tools necessary for helping kids use social technologies in a safe and savvy manner. This site is available in Spanish and includes a link to subscribe to a bi-monthly newsletter.
http://bnetsavvy.org/wp/

WiredSafety
WiredSafety is a worldwide organization comprised totally of volunteers that provides assistance for online victims of cybercrime and harassment; education for children, educators, and parents; and information on all aspects of online safety, privacy, responsible use, and security.
http://www.wiredsafety.org/

iKeepSafe
The Internet Keep Safe Coalition is a broad partnership of governors and/or first spouses, attorneys general, public health and educational professionals, law enforcement, and industry leaders working together for the health and safety of youth online. iKeepSafe® uses these unique partnerships to disseminate safety resources to families worldwide. http://www.ikeepsafe.org/
iKeepSafe Resources for Elementary Grades
Through the storybook adventures of Internet safety icon, Faux Paw the Techno Cat®, elementary school children learn about:
 Internet safety basics
 How to handle cyber-bullying
 Balancing real life with screen time
 The risks and dangers of downloading

Safe Social Networking
Has a set of video clips on some of the topics required by the Illinois Internet Safety law. These seem more geared towards high school age students and are age appropriate. Of particular interest: Stay Safe; Manage Privacy Settings: Why Privacy Matters: Are You An Anonymous Bebo (explains that posting online is NOT anonymous); Photos' Think Before You Post: Respect Your Online Community; Bullying: Don't Do It
These video clips are fairly short (a minute or two each) and to the point. They are NOT Illinois specific - many of them are from the UK - but the messages are quite good and cover some of the required material. http://www.safesocialnetworking.com/