Internet Safety

People describe the Internet in many different ways. Some say it's like a huge library where the books are scattered all over the floor, and some people say it's like a large city with some places you shouldn't visit, unless you have an adult with you. It can be helpful to think of the Internet in both these ways. But most important to remember is that you are in control when you use the Internet and search the World Wide Web. You decide where you want to go and what you want to see. If you get lost or are confused by what you are seeing, you can always click on the "Home" button and return to the Monroe County Public Library's home page. And you can always ask a librarian to help you find the information you are looking for.

Just as there are some common sense rules you follow when you're visiting a big city, there are some common sense rules you can use when "surfing the Web" :

Don't give out personal information such as your first and last name, telephone number, address, or your parents' credit card number.
Don't agree to meet strangers you have communicated with online without first getting your parents' permission. If you do arrange to meet someone, make sure your parents know who you will be meeting, when and where.
Don't assume that everything you read on the Internet is true. Try to figure out who wrote the information you are reading, when they wrote it, and if it is accurate.

Here are some web sites with additional safety tips and information to help you make smart decisions about your and your family's use of the Internet.

GetNetWise http://www.getnetwise.org/
Kid Safety : Be Net-Smart http://www.ou.edu/oupd/kidsafe/inet_ans.htm
Child Safety on the Information Highway http://www.missingkids.com/html/ncmec_default_child_safety.html
Evaluating Web Sites: What Makes a Web Site Good? - http://www.multcolib.org/homework/webeval.html

For more tips on how to evaluate information on the Internet, see:
Critical Evaluation Surveys http://school.discovery.com/schrockguide/eval.html
And for more detailed information about the Internet, visit some of the websites listed on our Learn About the Internet page.

If you have any questions about using the Internet, please ask a librarian.