The Internet can be a wonderful resource for information and enjoyment, but we must be aware of potential danger from Internet use.

Our computers may be vulnerable to malware (viruses, worms, spyware, etc.) and our children can be exposed to information and situations that compromise their well-being and safety.

North American Martyrs School is helping families address the potential problems that can arise from Internet use.

Students are taught to use the Internet safely but there are many sites that are not appropriate, and the Internet can easily be misused. We will be including sample Internet safety contracts in the newsletters before the end of the year.

This contract is appropriate for students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade:
(from the April 9th Newsletter)

Faux Paw
In January 2007, Kindergarten through 5th grade students attended a presentation about Internet Safety.  Kathy Hill and Sharon Chatwell, from the Lancaster County Medical Alliance, spoke with the children about remembering and recognizing the three essential rules for online safety:

• KEEP your personal information protected. Never give your real name, address, phone number, the name of your school or a picture of yourself to anyone online.

• DON’T MEET in person with anyone you’ve met on the Internet.

• TELL a parent, teacher or trusted adult if you feel uncomfortable about anything you see on the computer.

You can find more information about the Faux Paw program, including many helpful tips for Internet and computer usage, as well as the animated film the children saw, at http://www.ikeepsafe.org/. 

Sr. Mary Kansier, MS,
Diocesan Technology Utilization Specialist
The 6th, 7th and 8th grade students at North American Martyrs attended a discussion with Sr. Mary about staying safe on-line, particularly on social networking sites.

Sr. Mary’s biggest message was that students should NEVER share personal information or pictures with people they do not know and trust on-line, or on social networking sites.

Please discuss with your child what they can and cannot do on the computer, and make sure they know the rules for staying safe.

Learn more about the i-Safe program by visiting the website: http://www.isafe.org/ .