Kids Place - Internet Info - Monroe County (NY) Library System

The Internet and its marvelous potential for learning has become a very important element in the lives of our children. To ask whether children really need to have access to the Web is almost irrelevant, since the Internet is quickly becoming an integral part of the audio-visual environment.

Before you start your own surfing, here are some handy tips that you may want to keep in mind as you and your child(ren) explore this grand new world of information:

Spend as much time as you can with your child(ren) on the computer.

When you discover a site that you want to explore, look for the button that will provide you with information about how to use the site and how to determine the credentials of the person or organization that posted the site.

As your children enter school, stay in touch with the teaching staff so that you may stay in touch with what is being taught about the Internet and what assignments are made. This will enable you to reinforce school learning with what the child(ren) practice at home.

Set very clear rules for online use and discuss a time limit.

Encourage your child(ren) to talk to you about any scary or unpleasant site they may encounter.

And most of all ... have fun! Family learning is a lifelong habit!

The following sites are parents' guide to the Information Superhighway and include sample policies that you may want to establish with your children as well as rules and tools for family online searching.

	SafeKids.Com - Tips, advice and suggestions to make your family's online experience what it should be: memorable, fun and productive! Includes a family contract for online safety and information about filters for those who are interested in them for home use.
	SmartParent.com - A resource guide dedicated to educating parents about safeguarding their children from unwelcome elements in cyberspace. Includes a Childrens' Pledge to Online Safety.
	Children's Partnership: Parents' Guide to the Information Superhighway - This site informs parents about the importance of computers in the child's life, determining when a child is able to do work on the Internet and at what level, alternatives to a home computer and general basic rules. The site may also be viewed in Spanish.
	CTW - Safe Cruising - This site from the Children's Television Network provides guidelines for the basics of surfing to the latest in safety software.

This publication was supported in part by Federal Library Services and Technology Act funds, awarded to The New York State Library by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.