January is Internet Safety Month @ RBCHS

January is Internet Safety Month @ RB: Long before Illinois, among other states, mandated that every school must offer internet safety as part of their curriculum RB has done so.  This month Mr. Harkness, RB's Technology Director, provided information raising awareness to all incoming freshman as a part of the Freshman Seminar Program.  The overall goal is to help them understand the Internet and avoid potential issues in the future of their digital lives.  Cyber bullying, Internet predators, sexting and other topics are discussed.

With our own children 71% have received message online from someone they don't know; 45% have been asked for personal information by someone they don't know & 14% (9% ages 13 to 15; 22% ages 16 & 17) have actually met a person face-to-face that they've only spoken to over the Internet.  

Families talking to teens about Internet Safety helps reduce some youth exposure to potential threats & encourages safer online decisions among teens.  As a parent there are many ways you can help protect your children online such as:

• Keeping the computer in a more "public" place like the living room.  
• Keep basic content filters &  always use antivirus software.  
• Know who your children are talking to online.  
• Talk to your children about the Internet, making it very clear what your expectations are (what they should be doing, what sites are appropriate, who should they talk to) and stand firm to those rules.  

For more information please visit http://www.rbchs.com/home/community-resources/internet-safety