Introduction
The purpose of this Web-quest is to help you learn Internet safety, Internet surfing, cyberbullying awareness, and Internet usage
rules. There are many precautions you can take as a child while surfing the Internet. Always remember that you should never give out
personal information out about yourself unless your are with an adult, and they approve. Some predators have even been known to pose
as friends, neighbors, or classmates in order to gain personal information from you online. Predators will actually keep logs of messages
they stay going back and forth, and may use them to fool you into thinking they are someone but, they are not. While exploring online,
computer exploration opens a world of possibilities for you, expanding your horizons and exposing you to different cultures and ways of
life, they can exposed to dangers as well.
Computer viruses can easily spread through the Internet and email causing harm to computer's data, files, and hard drive. Viruses are
commonly disguised as hyperlinks, pop-ups, or email attachments of pictures, greeting cards, or video files. Some basic Internet rules to
use and keep your computer safe from hackers and viruses are as follows: Do not open email attachments or click on hyperlinks from
unknown senders. Use passwords that are hard to guess and they should be changed regularly. Do not store usernames and
passwords on websites, and do not share your password with friends or strangers. Do not give out name, birthdate, or social security
number, and make sure your computer has a protection plan.
Task
The Internet can be a fun interesting and informative place to visit however, it has many predators. On this Webquest, you will be a safe
and smart Internet Surfer. You will follow the following rules and they are as follows: You will never give your personal information or
anyone else's information out to anyone on the Internet without getting approval from your parent, legal guardian, or teacher; You are not
allowed to send pictures; You will always tell your teacher or parent if you see anything on the Internet that is threating, scary, or
something that is inappropriate; You will never tell anyone your password except for your parents; You will never call or meet anyone in
person who you met online; You will never open emails from people you do not know, and will never click on links unless I know the site
is secure and you have permissions; You will always talk to your parents and help set up your own online rules; and You will not go to
other areas or sites without an adult's permission.
Answer the following questions after the end of the Webquest:
1. What are four ways to be safe on the Internet?
2. What is cyberbullying?
3. What are some signs of cyberbullying?
4. How can computer viruses spread?
5. Why should you not post personal information online?
6. Who should you tell if you experience something online that worries you?
Process
While surfing the Internet, use the checklist listed below and view the following links:
- Never give any information out about yourself over the Internet.
- Never download any files to your computer without a teacher's or parent's approval.
- Be cautious of anyone who wants to know personal information about you.
- If anyone online says anything inappropriate to you, harasses you, or sends you unwanted emails tell an adult.
- Do not include any part of your name, date of birth, location, or anything associated with your name.
- Do not post any pictures of yourself.
Cyberbullying is another problem that can occur with Internet usage among children. Cyberbullying is using online technology to hurt
someone on purpose. Many children who are cyberbullied do not want to tell their teacher or parent because they may feel ashamed
or afraid their computer privileges may be taken away.
Some signs of cyberbullying are as follows:
- Being emotionally upset during or after using the internet or the phone.
- Wanting to stop using the computer or cellphone
- Being nervous when getting an instant message, text, or email.
- Changes in mood, behavior, sleep, or appetite.
Other techniques to use:
- Block the bully
- Limit access to technology
- Know children online world
Evaluation
You have successfully completed the Webquest. Please read and complete the questions on the Task Sheet. Remember to always keep safe online!
Conclusion
Staying safe online is very important. You have learned ways to keep safe online and different ways to avoid dangerous situations! You
are now Internet Safety Certified.
Credits
Teacher Page
This Webquest was created to help students learn the importance of keeping safe using the Internet at home and at school. Students
learned how to safely use the Internet online. They learned how to recognize cyberbullying and how to report it. Internet safety helps
children practice smart Internet habits and staying safe online.