Parents:  The Allegany County Library System urges you to supervise your children's use of the Internet. Child Safety on the Information Highway is a good resource for both putting this issue in perspective and providing practical guidelines.  Another great resource is NetSafeKids, an important step on the road to becoming an Internet-savvy parent who can make informed decisions and plan effective strategies that promote safe and enjoyable Internet experiences for children.
 

The NetSmartz Workshop  ( http://www.netsmartz.org/ )  is an interactive, educational safety resource from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® (NCMEC) and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for children aged 5 to 17, parents, guardians, educators, and law enforcement that uses age-appropriate, 3-D activities to teach children how to stay safer on the Internet

The Internet Keep Safe Coalition

The Internet Keep Safe Coalition group teaches basic rules of Internet safety to children and parents, reaching them online and in school. Governors and/or first spouses formed this coalition in partnership with a growing list of crime prevention organizations, law enforcement agencies, foundations and corporate sponsors.

Studies show that 1 in 5 youth using the Internet receive an online sexual solicitation in a 1 year period, and 29% of children will freely give out their home address if asked.

The http://www.iKeepSafe.org  website uses an animated icon / mascot named Faux Paw the Techno Cat to teach children the importance of protecting personal information and avoiding inappropriate places on the Internet.

The http://www.iKeepSafe.org  website teaches children to safely navigate the Internet through a virtual playground, Faux Paw's adventures in storybooks, an animated video download, and educational games. Educational materials, including worksheets and tests, are also available for parents and educators.

The Internet Keep Safe Coalition is a non-profit organization founded by Jacalyn S. Leavitt, Utah's first lady from 1993-2003.