Internet Safety

I have unknowingly been subjected to a questionable website which I am sure so many others, including students, have experienced. I was looking for some running shoes and thought that I would enter what I assumed would be the URL for Dick's Sporting Goods. Much to my surprise, it definitely was not selling sporting goods. This was not intentional, but does show that you can innocently be sent to sites that you would not normally want to view.

Many users of the Internet assume that every website is ????.com. Internet savvy people have knowingly used that scheme. As and example, www.whitehouse.com is not the official United States White House site.

I do feel that the Internet can be an excellent resource for students, staff, and parents. It is a great way to research topics, take virtual tours, communicate with others, etc. But, students should be informed on Internet safety. Too many students, and even some adults, post personal information that would allow predators to seek the individuals out or lure them out of their normally safe environment.

As a parent, I feel that I should monitor my children when they are at the age to be using the Internet. But, maybe Internet Safety should begin with informing parents about the Internet, social networking, etc.