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Safe surfing lessons for kids

Libraries begin classes for young computer users to help them avoid cyber dangers.

By ARLEEN SPENCELEY Times Staff Writer
Published September 28, 2007

Alec York, 8, of Tampa plays computer games at the North Tampa branch library after taking a NetSmartz class.
	[Chris Zuppa | Times]

And one in three is exposed to sexually explicit content.

Statistics such as these, reported by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, are behind a move to make Internet safety training universal in Hillsborough's public libraries.

Starting Monday, the library is asking that all children younger than 17 participate in NetSmartz before they can log onto library computers.

While parents can sign a waiver that allows their children to opt out of the training, library officials recommend it.

e_SDLqIt's an interactive, age appropriate education tool on the computer," said Braulio Colon, director of public relations for the Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library System.

The computer program is in English and Spanish and takes about 20 minutes to complete. After participants watch a series of lessons, and take a series of quizzes, they will be given an "official Web license."

Kindergarteners through second-graders see a character called Clicky surf through "Clicky's Web World." Children in grades 3 through 6 spend time watching "Nettie and Webster" walk them through dos and don'ts of spending time online. And for grades 7 through 12, the program is called "I-360" and sends a straightforward, documentary style message and uses several scenarios teenagers could experience.

"The kids like it because the characters used appeal to that age group," Colon said. "They speak that cool language to get the message across."

NetSmartz programs have been uploaded to all of the 975 computers in Hillsborough County libraries, and the parks and recreation department uses the program as well. Some Hillsborough County schools are also preparing to use the program, said Joe Stines, director of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library system.

"Here we are in the libraries offering free Internet access," he said. "We should accept the responsibility."

So should parents, said Gayle Tebbenkamp, a 47-year-old library user in Lutz.

"It shouldn't be up to the state to educate the children," said Tebbenkamp, whose 10-year-old daughter, Tyleah, has her own laptop with Internet access. But "if you are frequently using a computer outside of parental care, I think it's a great idea."

Tyleah uses the computer to check her e-mail and to play games like Webkinz and Neopets. "I watch her all the time," Tebbenkamp said. "That's something parents need to do; I'm like a hawk."

Tyleah agreed that NetSmartz is a good addition to the library. "Some kids don't know about the dangers of the Internet," she said. "It will help them learn about it."

Almost 2,700 kids voluntarily participated in the program this summer, Colon said.

County Commissioner Ken Hagan, who headed up efforts last year to implement Internet safety programs, wants to take the movement a step farther. At a recent commission meeting he called for an advisory board to expand NetSmartz, and the motion was passed.

e_SDLqI'm excited that the program is growing," Hagan said. "It teaches (kids) the dangers of being online, and alerts them that should they come across anything that doesn't seem right, to share it with an adult."

Libraries are hosting numerous NetSmartz, and can use the program individually any time.

Safety tips for children and teens

- Parents should establish clear rules for home computer use and ask service providers about monitoring and filtering tools.

- Children's Web sites should not request personal information without parental permission. Tell children what personal information is and why they should never give it out online.

- If children use chat or e-mail, tell them about never meeting in person with anyone they first "met" online.

- Talk to children about not responding to offensive or dangerous chat or e-mail. Do not delete the offensive e-mail; turn off the monitor and call law enforcement.

- Keep the computer in the family room or another open area of the home.

- Let children show you what they can do online, and visit their favorite sites.

- Have children use child-friendly search engines for homework.

- Know who children are exchanging e-mail with, and only let them use chat areas when you can supervise. Limit chat room access to child-friendly sites.

- Be aware of other computers your child may use.

- Put Internet accounts in the parent's name with parents having the primary screen name, controlling passwords and blocking or filtering devices.

- Children should not complete profiles for a service provider. Screen names should be nondescript and not identify user as a child.

Talk to children about what to do if something makes them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused.

SOURCE: National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

More information

- To read the study, "Online Victimization of Youth: Five Years Later," go to www.netsmartz.org/safety/statistics.htm.

- To find out about NetSmartz training in your local library, go to www.hcplc.org/hcplc/happenings/child/child1.html or call (813) 273-3652.

[Last modified September 27, 2007, 08:23:08]