This document provides tips and resources for internet safety. It includes statistics on teen internet and cell phone use, such as 91% of teens having email addresses and 1 in 5 experiencing cyberbullying. Guidelines are given for safe email, chat room, blog and social media use. Inappropriate content and predatory behaviors are discussed. Resources listed provide filtering software and education on internet safety best practices to empower kids to use technology responsibly.

1. Internet SafetyA guide

2. Internet SafetyContentDisclaimerAcceptable Use PolicyJulie . . . her storyStatisticsIM/email/Chat roomsBloggingInappropriate ContentResourcesReferencesThink smart,Play smart,Be smart,Play SAFE!

3. DisclaimerThis publications is not intended for professional use in any manner. The author of this publication attempted to gather information pertaining to the safety of kids and tweens using the internet. This is not intended for legal or professional consultation. The information in the publication is subject to change by the author of the referenced material. All attempts were made to assure accuracy of the information in this publication.

4. Acceptable Use PolicyPurposeThe purpose of this policy is to ensure appropriate, responsible, ethical and legal access and use of computers, the Internet, and other electronic or communication devices by District students, patrons, and employees. The Technology Acceptable Use Policy addresses two distinct concepts of technology use. The first regards the use of computers and the Internet, and the second addresses interfering and electronic communication devices.Washington County School District, St. George, UT.

5. Acceptable Use PolicyPolicy2.1. Computers and the InternetIt is the policy of the Washington County School District to permit students, patrons, and employees to have computer and Internet access under approved regulations and guidelines, to include those listed in the Children's Internet Protection Act, State Law, and policies adopted by Board of Education. In general, the user's responsibilities require responsible, decent, ethical, polite, efficient, and legal use of computer and network resources. Students, patrons, and employees must not access obscene, pornographic, or material that is deemed to be harmful to minors. District and school personnel will instruct students and staff on acceptable use of computers and Internet resources and proper network etiquette. All students, patrons, and employees are granted access to the Internet, but all access to the Internet through district resources is subject to the terms of the Technology Acceptable Use Agreement and District policy.Washington County School District, St. George, UT.

6. Acceptable Use PolicyPolicy2.2. Interfering and electronic communication devicesWhile in some instances the possession and use of electronic communication devices or other devices or objects by a student at a school may be appropriate, often the possession and use of such devices or objects by students at school can have the effect of distracting, disrupting, and intimidating others in the school setting and leading to opportunities for academic dishonesty and other disruptions of the educational process. The purpose of this component of the policy is to vest with school administrators the authority to enforce reasonable rules relating to student use of such objects or devices in the public schools.Washington County School District, St. George, UT.

7. Julie . . .Her story of how she got caught up in something she had no control over due to manipulation and anger . . . Someone could be looking into your daily life without you realizing it.her story

8. StatisticsConsider a recent survey of teenagers that revealed the following:91% of kids have an email address

9. 60% have an instant-message screen name

10. 75% have a cell phone

11. 72% have profiles on social networking sitesThink before you typeAll statistics provided by www.aldricchang.com

12. StatisticsAnd on a more disturbing note1in 5 said they have been “cyber-bullied”

13. most share personal info online, though 3 in 5 know it’s dangerous

14. 1 in 4 know someone who experienced something bad, from an inappropriate text forwarded around school to being sexually victimizedAll statistics provided by www.aldricchang.com

15. StatisticsAccess93% of teens (12-17) go online.

16. Of the children (0-5) who use the Internet, 80% use it at least once a week.Cell Phones75% of teens (12-17) have cell phones.

17. On average, texting teens (12-17) send and receive 1500 text messages a month.Friends Only!All statistics provided by www.netsmartz.com

18. Be NiceStatisticsCyberbullying1 in 3 teens (12-17) have experienced online harassment.

19. Girls are more likely to be victims of cyberbullying (38% girls vs. 26% boys).Online Gaming97% of teens (12-17) play computer, web, portable, or console games.

20. 27% of teens (12-17) play games with people they don’t know online.All statistics provided by www.netsmartz.com

21. StatisticsPredatorsPredators seek children vulnerable to seduction, including