Internet-capable devices are everywhere! (We say Internet-capable because using the term, Computer, is no longer enough.  From PDA's to SmartPhones to iPods, students are using many different devices that are all capable of getting on the web anywhere.)

Yet with this Internet Access, also comes possible hazards.  Predators lurk on  the Social Networking sites and pose as teens.  Phishing sites create themselves to resemble legitimate websites, but put their visitors at risk for viruses, or sypware, or even identity theft.  Respond to a single wrong email or click on a link, and the next thing you know you are the recipient of dozens of SPAM messages every day.

In the navigtion pane to your left, we have a series of pages that (we hope!) will offer some helpful advice for parents in order help Keep Kids Safe on the Internet.  We might also share with parents a fabulous website around what is like to grow up in the digital age. Earlier this year, the PBS show, Frontline had an episode called Growing Up Online.  This link takes you to both the website associated with that program, and from there you can watch the full video. It is highly recommended to all parents of school age children.

Should you have questions, please feel free to email or call the school and I'd be happy to speak with you about Internet Safety and perhaps recommend other resources on this issue.

John Minelli
Educational Technology Specialist