Brantford Christian School

The Internet
(Courtesy of London Christian School)

Computer play a important part in the academic program at London Christian Elementary School. All teachers work hard to teach students how to use the computer as a tool for learning. Below is our "Acceptable Internet Use Policy". You will need a copy of Adobe Reader to properly view.

Need some helpful tips on internet use at home?

For more information, check out http://www.kidsintheknow.ca/

Get involved. Learn what your children are doing online.

Ask your child what they enjoy doing online.
Check the websites your child visits by reviewing their history files.
View your child's instant messaging logs (e.g. MSN Live Messenger, AIM, Yahoo Messenger)
Check to see that your child's instant messaging program is set up so that no one can speak to them without their permission.
Check your child's profile on free email accounts.

What can parents do?

Limit the amount of time your child spends online.
Use filtering software.
Supervise your child while online and consider putting the computer in a common area.
Restrict your child's use of adult search engines.
Explore games your child is playing to determine if age appropriate.
Regularly review your child's online activities and interests.
Know your child's login information and email addresses.
Know who your child is communicating with online.
Assist in the creation of online profiles when your child joins sites.
Monitor webcam use and any posting or exchanging or pictures online.
Communicate opening and encourage your child to share his/her feelings.

What should parents talk to their children about?

Set the expectation that you will monitor your child online as it is a public environment.
Create or post internet guidelines that are discussed regularly.
Show your child how to use safe search engines (i.e. yahooligans)
Reinforce the idea that not everyone is who they say they are online.
Just as you would explain codes of conduct for offline activities, the same should be done for activities online.
Talk about friendship: what is is and what it isn't.
Tell you child not to open attachments if they don't know the sender.
If your child some across something that makes him/her feel uncomfortable, explain that s/he can tell you without fear of losing computer privileges.
Ensure your child has a trusted adult in her/his life that s/he can talk to.
Talk about the inaccurate representations of relationships online. Discuss the qualities of healthy relationships.

Risks for children on the internet:

Exposure to sexually explicit material
Search engines
Public nature of the Internet
Building relationships
Chat component of games
Threats and coersion