The Internet is a powerful tool that should be used wisely.

The Internet allows the student access to a vast library of previously unavailable resources, enables students to communicate with people from around the world, and provides a creative outlet for students skilled in writing, art, music, science, mathematics, and other topics.

Students need to know that not all Internet information is valid or appropriate.

Internet information may promote negative attitudes such as hate or intolerance. Sexual predators can easily hide their true indentity and can try and convince young people to trust them. Explicit material or violent images can affect you negatively.

Students should maximize the Internet's potential while protecting themselves from potential abuse.

The critical-thinking skills students learn in school should be transfered to Internet use taking special care to analyze and scrutinize everything that is read, heard and seen online. Students should take nothing for granted and understand that everyone they come in contact with virtually may not be who or what they proclaim. Know what to do and who to ask for help when a students encounters a person or site on the Internet that is offensive or threatening. Be a responsible citizen. Report harmful or illegal Internet communications and activities to Internet Service Providers and local law enforcement authorities.

From Guidelines and Resources for Internet Safety in Schools produced by Virginia Department of Education, Office of Educational Technology.

This page last updated December 22, 2008