What should you consider when you have students searching the internet?

                There are many things that should be considered when young children are searching the internet. As a teacher I would take into consideration what I am having the children search, what websites the children may go to and if the children are comfortable searching the internet. The internet can be a dangerous place for young children especially if the child is not comfortable using it.

                When children are searching the internet it is important that they know what they are looking for. I would consider the topic I am trying to teach the children. If the topic is something the children are able to search easily then I would allow them to search the internet, however if the topic is not easily searchable I would take the students to the library instead, to look for books.

                I would also take into consideration the websites the children may go to. Some websites are full of advertisements that the children could accidentally click on. I would have the children ask me before using a website so I can let them know if it is a safe website.

                The third thing I would consider is if the child is comfortable with searching the internet. Some children have never used the internet before, so it may be difficult for them to feel comfortable

searching the internet.

                I would present searching the internet as a positive thing. Searching the internet is a great way to find out a lot of information on specific topics. It is also a great way to engage children in their learning.

                Schools have many policies that protect children who are searching the internet. One policy is plagiarism. Children may use resources to help them with a project however they may not copy anyone else’s work. Another form of protection schools have for searching the internet is blocked websites. Some websites are blocked on the school’s network so the children do not get unwanted viruses on the computers or see inappropriate content.  

                For more information or safety tips on searching the internet, you can visit the National Children’s Advocacy Center at http://www.nationalcac.org/prevention/internet-safety-kids.html.