Dear Parents:

Safe use of the internet has become a real concern for families and school personnel. It is well publicized that predators use the ‘net’ as a tool. Children are by nature innocent and trusting. These wonderful qualities also make them vulnerable, so adults need to help them protect themselves, make good decisions, and use the net safely.

Kids have for years used “Instant Messaging” as a primary tool. Now open “chat lines” like MySpace are popular. These multi-user cyberspaces allow individuals to communicate with others regardless of their age, situation, or location. Unfortunately the varieties of misrepresentations of motive and circumstance are endless and so too the dangers. Adults can represent themselves as peers or in various other ways misrepresent and manipulate children and teens.

Peers can also use the internet improperly. You have probably heard about harassment via email or in chat rooms, tampering with the personal information of others on line, and various kinds of fraud and misrepresentation.

To help you immediately, we have included here a list of tips and a website Netsmartz.org which, if used will make your kids a lot safer right away. We will continue to use the Falmouth Public Schools website and refine and update its resources and services for families. This represents a start.

I have also been collaborating with Officer Scott Hartzler of the Falmouth Police. Officer Hartzler can be reached at 508-457-2539 if you have a concern appropriate for law enforcement.

In addition, I urge you to call me if you have any questions of any kind relating to internet safety and wise use of the internet.

Beverly Shea
Director of Pupil Personnel Services
508.548.0151x143