Exploring the Internet: a note for parents

Library Internet Policy

The Internet offers a worldwide network of information for educational, business, and entertainment uses. As with anything else, however, parental guidance ensures the most appropriate use for your child.

While many children may be more comfortable with computers than their parents, the following suggestions can assist you in teaching your child to be "street smart" on the Information Highway and make sure that their experience is a positive one.

• Spend time with your child on the Internet.

• If you do not know how to use it, have your child teach you.

• Spend time on the Internet by yourself. Educate yourself to what is out there.

• Be aware of the risks involved with using the Internet: inappropriate material, people with bad manners, computer viruses, harassment, advertising scams, etc.

• Understand that there is no real control on the Internet, and no real way for you to completely control your child's access.

• Be aware of the major role marketing and advertising play in funding the information available.

• Set acceptable use rules for your child.

• Teach your child how to be safe on the Internet.  

On-line Safety Rules For Children

1. I will not give out personal information such as my address, telephone number, parents' work address or phone number, or the name and location of my school without my parents' permission.
2. I will tell my parents right away if I come across any information that makes me feel uncomfortable.
3. I will never agree to get together with someone I "meet" online without first checking with my parents. If my parents agree to the meeting, I will be sure that it is in a public place and bring my mother or father along.
4. I will never send a person my picture or anything else without first checking with my parents.
5. I will not respond to any messages that are mean or in any way make me feel uncomfortable. It is not my fault if I get a message like that. If I do, I will tell my parents right away so they can contact the online service.
6. I will talk with my parents so that we can set up rules for going online. We will decide upon the time of day I can be online, the length of time I can be online, and appropriate areas for me to visit. I will not access other areas or break these rules without their permission.

The Clinton Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its contents. As with other library materials, restriction of a child's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. A form is available at the main desk and is required for parental approval for children 14 and under.

For further information try:

The Internet Advocate Resource Guide:  http://www.monroe.lib.in.us/~lchampel/netadv.html

Please choose one of the following home pages to go back to:

Children's Home Page