Internet Safety for Teachers

While the Internet offers great access to valuable resources, it also provides opportunities for criminals to exploit children. Stories about the dangers associated with web sites such as MySpace.com have been prominent in the news. The Virginia General Assembly recently passed a bill requiring school divisions to address Internet safety within their instructional program. HCPS makes every effort to filter inappropriate material, and teachers are responsible for monitoring student internet use and providing guidance toward appropriate resources. These safety measures may not be in place at home or other locations where students use the internet, so it is important that we educate the students about appropriate behavior.

Monitor student use of computers carefully. It is generally not a good idea to provide "free" time on the computer. If a student has some free time, you should provide guidance as to appropriate and educational sites. A portaportal is a great resource to use.

Provide guided searches rathen than open searches. Not only can open searches lead to inappropriate material, it also can be a large waste of time as students wade through material that is not relevant or that is intended for a different audience (college students rather than elementary students).

Internet Safety

HCPS Internet Safety Curriculum

Related Resources for Internet Safety in Schools (Delicious) - Links to good Internet safety resources from Virginia DOE  (pdf)

Internet Safety Curriculum

Keeping Your Identity Safe

Shopping online is convenient, and it is safe as long as you use common sense and some simple precautions. Legitimate sites use measures such as encryption to safeguard your personal information. Stop by Safeshopping.org for information to help you shop smarter.

Phishing is a way of tricking you into giving out personal information. Those emails that you receive from a bank, Paypal, Ebay, etc. asking you to update your account information are just ways of gathering your personal information. DO NOT DO THIS. Even the annoying SPAM that you receive advertising Viagra and other drugs is more likely designed to collect information than sell you anything. The FDIC reports important information and tips on keeping your personal information safe in You can Fight Identity Theft

Spyware is becoming more and more prevalent. While some forms are benign and designed mainly to gather information for marketing, others are malicious and designed to gather personal information. Protect your yourself and your computer. Regularly run software designed to detect and remove spyware. Here are some free solutions that you can download.


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Site Created and Maintained by Karen Campbell, Instructional Technology Coordinator
Harrisonburg City Public Schools
Last updated June 30, 2011