STUDENTS AGAINST VIOLENCE EVERYWHERE

JUNE: FOCUS ON INTERNET SAFETY

SAVE encourages students to be extremely careful when using the internet. Messages posted in any kind of a public forum can be read by anyone. Personal information such as name, address (home and email), telephone number, school name, or information on family and friends should never be shared with anyone you meet in cyberspace. Never reveal anything about other people that could possibly get them into trouble. It is important to remember that people you meet online, whether in a chat room or message forum, may not be who they say they are. Also, be careful not to put any personal details, including locations, on your instant messenger "away" message. The approaching end of the traditional school year calendar is a good time to spread awareness in your school about internet safety.

Crime Prevention Activities

• Publish an Internet Safety Pledge for students to sign that includes tips on web surfing and email safety.

• Team up with local law enforcement to sponsor an "Internet Safety Community Forum" and have officers speak on internet safety issues.

• Look into finding "internet hotline" phone numbers where students can call and report suspicious online activity.

• Have students write their state congressional representative and ask for their involvement in safer internet practices in the schools.

  For more Crime Prevention ideas

Conflict Management Activities

• Write and perform plays or skits that demonstrate how during an online chat, someone can go about trying to get your personal information.

• Encourage students to get their parents involved in setting ground rules for internet use. Send a list of "Internet Violence Prevention" tips home with students.

• Sponsor an "Internet Safety Community Forum" at your school. The Safety Pledge can be distributed and signed and students can be educated on different types of filters and site blocking software available.

  For more conflict management ideas

Service Project Activities

• Sponsor an "Internet Free Weekend" where students agree to participate in community service work at local charities instead of serving the web.

• Share the list of internet safety tips with other schools in your district and/or state.

• Have several SAVE members write an article on Internet Safety for the school paper.

  Additional Resource - Protect Every Child
  
  For more service project ideas

National Association of Students Against Violence Everywhere SAVE: Youth Voices... Grown-Up Choices! Toll Free 866-343-SAVE For more information contact cwray@nationalsave.org   /   Copyright 2007