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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.
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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. See Child Safety on the Information Highway.
More on the Internet
The Internet is a network of networks. For decades it was text only and used mainly by the military, nonprofit organizations,and educational institutions. Now it is accessed by people of all ages and backgrounds who are finding new and inventive ways to use added graphics, audio, and video capabilities. San Francisco Public Library offers you and your child an opportunity to explore this thrilling information technology.
The Internet offers a wide range of possibilities
waiting for you and your child to discover. NASA has many web
pages with the latest information about the space shuttle or
pictures taken by the Hubble telescope. Children can display
their own art work on the Global Show-and-Tell web page. Try
one of the many search engines to help with homework projects,
look for information on sports, movies, and the latest computer
game, or take virtual field trips.
Heavy media coverage over the explosive
growth of the Internet may be confusing and cause concern.
Remember that since no single government or private organization
is in charge, no one controls the accuracy of information posted
or polices the scams and other potential problems that you
or your child may come across while 'surfing' the 'Net.
It is very easy and inexpensive to publish
and distribute information on the Internet to people all over
the world. Most laws that cover print also apply to items published
on the 'Net, but policing techniques are still inadequate.
It is important that you and your child become good information
consumers and learn how to protect yourselves.
So why not start your journey through
the Internet at our Kids' Page? We are located at (http://sfpl.org/sfplonline/kids/kids.htm).
San Francisco Public Library staff have
taken the time to select sites on the Internet and add them
to our collection just like we do with books. We have arranged
them by subject in our virtual library.
For further information try the following
sources:
