Family Internet Safety Guide

SCE-100621-MZ-A-1.ps 00666761

6/10/10

2:26 PM

Page 1

SCE-100621-MZ-A-2.ps

6/11/10

2:32 PM

Page 2

00669243

do your children STAND OUT for the right reasons?

because...they have a support system because...they are well informed because...they have the technology Give the Gift of Choice...

A Pine Centre Gift Card

This is your place to

3055 Massey Drive, Prince George â?˜ www.pinecentremall.com

STAND OUT

SCE-100621-MZ-A-3.ps

6/10/10

2:27 PM

Page 3

3 ❘ Family Internet Safety Guide ❘ Summer 2010

The Family Internet Safety Guide is a product of the

Available on-line at www.pgcitizen.ca General Inquiries 250-562-2441 Publisher Hugh Nicholson Associate Editor Mick Kearns Reader Sales Colleen Sparrow Advertising Lu Verticchio Creative Colleen McComb

Please Recycle

inside...

introduction...3 the family code...4 Pine Centre safety awareness...6 the internet...8 uses of internet...8 - 12 - searching for information...8 - how do i know it is true...9 - blogs...10 - chat rooms & social networks...11 - paedophilia...11 - undesirable sites...11 - copy & paste...12 cyber bullying...13 10 recommendations for adults...14 it takes a community...15 community policing...16 tweens - value yourself...18

Reprinted in cooperation with the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers. © WAN-IFRA (2009-2010) All rights reserved.

Family Internet Safety Guide ❘ Summer 2010 ❘

3

Pine Centre and the Citizen working together to keep your children safe In today's world of instant information the Internet is a hot spot that attracts all ages.

The Prince George Citizen newspaper staff and especially publisher, Hugh Nicholson, sees the importance of having parents take note of advice and guidelines placed in the Family Internet Safety Guide to promote safety while using the Internet as well as touching on issues at school and in the community where children may also be vulnerable.

Nicholson keeps up with the information industry and found the Internet in the Family safety guide on the World Association of Newspapers website.

"With all of the publicity surrounding some very tragic events like abductions that have happened in Vancouver, for example, where an 18-year-old was abducted by someone she had met online and her body was later found, as a parent we all have concerns about what our children are doing on the Internet, who is watching them, quite frankly and some of the bad things that have happened as a result of Internet use," said Nicholson.

Cont’d on page 4

SCE-100621-MZ-A-4.ps

6/11/10

2:32 PM

Page 4

4 ❘ Family Internet Safety Guide ❘ Summer 2010

The family

code

While there is material adults would prefer children not see, websites they not visit, information they not share and people they not contact, sometimes simply giving them a no for an answer is not enough to suppress their curiosity.

A family code discussed and agreed upon by consensus is the best way to include children in establishing a set of rules about the use of the Internet in the home. Getting them involved in developing this code will help them better understand the Internet and feel more responsible when surfing. Although there is not a singular code that will apply to every family, here are some ideas that may be useful in creating one:

before devising a code: • Keep the computer in a common room in the house, such as a family room, where an adult can supervise children when they are using the Internet. It is not recommended for the computer to be kept in a private area, such as a bedroom.

• Print the family code and post it near the computer as a reminder to children and friends who visit about the conditions of use the children themselves contributed to producing.

• Realize the best way to understand how children use the Internet is for adults to use it themselves.

• Propose rules for three aspects of the situation: how to use the Internet, personal safety and what to do when faced with unexpected and undesirable circumstances online.

Cont’d on page 5

▼ introduction Cont’d from page 3 "As part of our role as a newspaper we wanted to present this to the community with much-appreciated cooperation from School District 57 and Superintendent Brian Pepper, the RCMP and their Community Policing division and our sponsors the Pine Centre Mall and their general manager, Sonya Hunt. Working together we were able to put this out.

We're excited about this publication. We think that if parents take the time to sit down and review it with their children we will all be smarter consumers of the Internet and hopefully our children will be a little bit safer as well."

Social networking is now an Internet activity that comes with consequences if not managed properly, exposure to inappropriate materials and Internet predators are all part of an online user's world and this guide will address many of the issues that come with Internet use.

"We need to be aware there may be predators online - paedophiles or people who are looking to do harm to our family members by using the Internet to gain our confidence," said Nicholson. "I think there are is a

lot of content on the Internet and much of it is unregulated so I think we definitely want to protect our children from things like pornographic sites, from sites that are preaching hate and racism and this guide explains how we can safe guard our kids."

This guide will be distributed to every Grade 5 and 6 student in School District 57 before school is out for the summer.

"Our resources were limited so we knew we could not distribute 15,000 guides so we spoke to the officials at School District 57 and they recommended Grade 5 and 6 students as the key demographic and we decided to offer the hard copy of the guide to them," said Nicholson. "Having said that, we will have a PDF version of the publication, which will be available on our website for anyone to print off if they wish and to use as a reference."

The Prince George Citizen community newspaper takes its obligation seriously to not only inform readers but to hopefully educate them as well, Nicholson added.

"I think this publication is a good example of us fulfilling that mandate," Nicholson.

SCE-100621-MZ-A-5.ps

6/10/10

2:27 PM

Page 5

▼ the family code

H Sandwiches S E FR & Subs aily

The family code

Cont’d from page 4

here is an example of a family code as agreed upon by consensus:

D

664319

1. The computer should be kept in a common room and nowhere else.

2.Visiting pornographic, racist or hate sites is not allowed.

3.The use of aggression or threats in e-mail, chat lines or in any other form of Internet communication will not be tolerated.

4.Visiting private chat rooms that may be unsafe is not allowed. A family discussion should be held before anyone joins a new forum.

5. No one should use the Internet for more than certain amount of hours at a time; the amount of time may depend on a child’s age.

6. Purchasing articles online or subscribing to a service not previously discussed with the family is not allowed.

7. Personal information such as one’s name, age, sex, home address, telephone number, etc. should not be given out in a forum, chat room, MSN or e-mail.

8. No one should arrange a face-to-face meeting with “friends” known through the Internet without parental permission and supervision.

9. No one should respond to messages that are unknown, aggressive, insulting, unwanted or Spam. In these cases, a child should always inform an adult.

10. Everyone should share with a household adult any doubt, concern, problem, distress or uncomfortable situation related to using the Internet.

MARKET ON 5TH ATM • INTERAC • LOTTERY • OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Ph: 250-564-4825 • 7:00am - 10:00pm weekdays 8:00am - 10:00pm weekends

We Believe in You. Sprott-Shaw Community College has been training students in BC for over 107 years.

We want you to be a success story too!

■ Small class sizes for individual attention ■ Monthly intakes to get you working faster ■ Career focused programs to keep you in demand ■ Financial options tailored to individual needs ■ Qualified and dedicated instructors ■ FREE lifetime upgrading and refresher courses ■ Job placement assistance / skills warranty ■ Monthly career fairs to keep you current - PRACTICAL NURSING - RESIDENT CARE ATTENDANT - MEDICAL OFFICE ASSISTANT - COMMUNITY SUPPORT WORKER - SOCIAL SERVICES / ASSISTED LIVING - BUSINESS MANAGEMENT - AND MORE...

Get In. Get Out. Get Working.

(250)

561-1555 www.sprottshaw.com

00664498

SCE-100621-MZ-A-6.ps

6/10/10

2:27 PM

Page 6

VALERIE GILES SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN

6 ❘ Family Internet Safety Guide ❘ Summer 2010

safety awareness

for your tween

he new general manager for the Pine Centre Mall, Sonya Hunt, quickly settled into her job.

T

Right away, she noticed that the mall had become a place where unaccompanied children and young teens were spending long hours. That didn’t seem right to her and she reacted with genuine

concern for their safety and well-being.

The result was the development of a Code of Conduct respecting the way people are to behave while on Pine Centre Mall property. Those policies came into effect April 1, 2010.

One rule is that no children under twelve years of age are permitted in the mall unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Hunt believes that awareness of children’s safety should be paramount. That’s why she agreed to sponsor a publication on this subject.

“No supervision is provided by the mall," said Hunt. "Children need to know to ask for help if needed. Our security staff are in uniform and there is also help available through the Customer Service Centre at the main entrance (outside Coles bookstore).”

Cont’d on page 7

Ness Lake Bible Camp

NLBC has space available. Sign up today and enjoy the best week of your summer! Play games, enjoy great food, and zip, blob, or swim. Go tubing, ride the Jungle Swing, try archery or crafts. Camp is the place to build new skills, relationships, and lasting memories. All prices include HST. Main Site: Junior Camps (ages 7-11) 4 Sessions $224.00 Intermediate Camps (ages 10-13) 4 Sessions $341.33 Teen Camp (ages 13-17) Aug 22-28 $362.67 NOTE: Spots for guys only.

WilderNess: Maximum 40 Campers per week. Featuring Paintball, Waterski & Climbing, Mtn. Bike or “Classic” Camps for guys & girls (ages 10-13, 12-15, & 13-17). $224.00 - $400.00

Call 250-612-4673 to register. Visa & MasterCard accepted.

Visit www.nlbc.bc.ca for more information.

664290

SCE-100621-MZ-A-7.ps

6/10/10

2:27 PM

Page 7

▼ safety awareness for your tween

Family Internet Safety Guide ❘ Summer 2010 ❘

7

Cont’d from page 6 The sad reality is that youngsters are highly vulnerable to bullying, abuse or abduction when left unattended. Predators may be in the mall watching for children who are on their own. Parents need to talk to children and young teens about the dangers of becoming involved with people promoting the use of drugs or becoming involved in gangs or illegal activity like stealing.

The mall exists as a place of business. It is also where young people can come to have fun with friends. Pine Centre is a great place to find out about and try on the latest fashions. Stores in the mall regularly feature products advertised on television, in magazines and in newspapers. The very latest technology is intriguing to everyone.

“The Pine Centre Mall is for everyone," said Hunt.

"We want to encourage young people to enjoy coming to the mall, but we want them to be safe.”

She has ideas for connecting with young people by developing a presence through social media like Facebook and Twitter. The mall’s website www.pinecentremall.com will feature Back-To-School promotions later in the summer.

She is also keen about the Youth Ambassador Program currently under development. Expected to be in place by the fall, this program will involve ways for young people to give input to mall promotions, building the mall’s social media pages, opportunities for mentorship with mer-

chants and learning about business.

Likely there will be fun activities like handing out balloons, wearing the mall mascot costume, assisting shoppers with directions, and helping promote upcoming special events.

Sonya Hunt would like parents to make sure their children follow these instructions for being safe while visiting the mall: 1) always go with a friend 2) carry a cell phone 3) arrange a set time and place to be picked up by your parent or guardian 4) never leave the mall with a stranger 5) if you sense that you are in danger, immediately seek out a security guard, customer service representative or any mall merchant and ask for help.

Summer Dance Camp Learn new dance styles with various teachers every day!

Summer Dance Camp offers children the chance to sample new dance styles in a fun and engaging environment.

Summer Musical Theatre Camp with Dean Ozen

Ages 8 and up.

Our summer musical theatre camp is Two sessions: a fun two week program focused on developing, singing, dancing, and 1) July 12th - 23rd 2) August 9th - 20th acting for children aged 8 and up.

Summer Dance Camp Teen Dance Camp Session 1 - July 12th - 23rd Session 1 Session 2 - Aug. 9th - 20th July 12th - 23rd Level 1 (Ages 3-5yrs) Session 2 Level 2 (Ages 6-9yrs) Aug. 9th - 20th Level 3 (Ages 10-12yrs)

3540 Opie Cres.

Prince George Ph: 250-563-2902 Fax: 250-563-1323 judydance@shawcable.com www.judyrussellpresents.com

00664495

SCE-100621-MZ-A-8.ps

6/10/10

2:27 PM

Page 8

8 ❘ Family Internet Safety Guide ❘ Summer 2010

the

internet

Every Internet user is different, lives in a particular and distinct context and undergoes a variety of experiences that will in part determine their use of new technology.

It is important to remember the positive potential and the rich content the Internet provides users. Before discussing the risks associated with the Internet, let’s remember some of its benefits: the internet • Provides faster and smoother communication.

• Brings together people of different societies.

• Promotes multicultural exchange among users.

• Presents an array of information.

• Facilitates and expands research possibilities.

• Provides instant access to information.

• Promotes higher interactivity between users and technology.

• Fosters creativity through the production of blogs and personal web pages.

• Enhances sociability by allowing a child to chat with others and play fun games.

• Introduces new topics of conversation between adults and children.

While keeping in mind the variety of content the Internet offers and its usefulness in everyday life, we must also consider ways to avoid some of the risks and take more advantage of its potential. One such way is for children and adults to use the Internet together.

uses of internet searching for information Many adolescents use the Internet as a source of information when preparing a school project. Because of the abundance of information online, young people might feel they can find all the information they need from a single source. However, sifting through millions of web pages is not an easy task.

Having access to an almost unlimited source of information does not mean children know how to use it.

Learning how to search for what they need is one of the most important challenges the Internet poses for young people.

how can we help children in their search for information on the internet?

• Help them choose a search engine. It is important to select a search engine that will direct children to the information they need. The most popular is Google but it is not the only one.

• Help them know what questions to ask. Search engines are not as effective if a user uses only one word in a search, especially if the word is ambiguous with respect to the information being sought. Clearly defining a question or search criteria is the first step to a successful search.

• Help them be specific. The more specific a child can be in his search, the more effective the search.

Sometimes being specific requires entering a key phrase instead of a key word. If the search for a word or a phrase leads to very few or too many results,

rephrase the inquiry.

• Help them define the language. A search can be conducted by searching sites in various languages. If a child is searching for information in English, he will have to be sure to note this preference. Specifying the language will help narrow the results.

• Help them determine their priorities. When a search engine returns the results of a search, a list of pages is displayed. The first site listed does not mean that information is the most reliable. If possible, it is helpful for a child to try to find out why the results pages are listed in a particular order. Is it because the creator of the page paid a fee for this advantage? Is it because the particular page has had the highest number of links attached to it? Is it because of the number of visits to that specific site? The answers to these questions may also help in the search.

• Help them use more than one Web page. One of the most effective ways to conduct a reliable search is to seek information in more than one place. This helps guarantee variety and plurality in the data provided.

SCE-100621-MZ-A-9.ps

6/10/10

2:27 PM

Page 9

uses of internet how do i know it is true?

Most children using the Internet give credibility to the information provided. They search for data, prepare homework, ask questions and write down the responses without actually analyzing the source of the information.

Children need to learn just as they would not ask advice from someone they did not trust in real life, they should treat the Internet with similar caution. While it would be useful to know who’s who on the Internet and who is actually answering their questions, it is not always obvious if what they are reading on the Internet is reliable.

There various ways they can check.

• Use more than one source of information. Compare books, newspapers, specialized periodicals and different web sites on the Internet. If a site is inconsistent with another one, children will realize that the information on one of them is inaccurate.

• Differentiate between facts and opinions. If a site provides opinions, children should look for other methods of exploring the facts that may support the opinions, whether through other web pages or other sources.

• Analyze how much research has been done by a website before the information was provided. Scope out the site to learn how often data is updated.

• Check the site’s links. When children use the Internet, they may hop from one site to the next, using various links.

Becoming familiar with the links provided on a site can be a good way to evaluate a site’s credibility. Learning which other sites are recommended and to which sites users are referred can be an indicator of the reliability of the information provided.

Babysitting: Grades 5 and Up • 7.5 hours Handling of a baby; bottle feeding; changing a diaper; how to bathe a baby; toileting; caring for kids with disabilities; caring for sick kids; giving medicine; How to deal with kids who are – crying, colic, teething, shyness, temper tantrums, refuses to go to sleep, nightmares, bedwetting, refuses to share toys, fighting; How to deal with – prowler, fire, unexpected visitor, nuisance calls, power failure, if you smell gas, if a water pipe breaks, storms and high winds, if you get locked out of the house, if the child is locked in the bathroom; Emergency Scene management; Choking – Infant/Child; CPR – Infant/Child; wounds and bleeding; bumps on the head; back injury, burns; poisoning; animal or human bites; eye injuries; objects in ear or nose; fever convulsions.

$49.00 Lifesaver: Grades 5 to 12 • 4hours and 15 minutes Emergency Scene Management: Shock, Unconscious and Fainting; Choking Adult; Adult CPR; Wound Care and Severe Bleeding; Burns; Poisoning.

$35.00 We Can Help: Grades 3 or 4 • 2 hours First Aid and Safety Awareness; Breathing Emergencies; Choking; Unconscious/Recovery Position; Bleeding and Bandaging; Poisoning; Sprains and Fractures; Head, Neck or Back Injuries; Frostbite; Burns.

FREE

664318

• Think about the organizations and institutions of everyday life that are reliable when providing information and search their sites. If we trust them in the real world, it is possible we can also trust their information on the Internet.

Courses

470 – 3rd Avenue, Prince George, B.C. V2L 3B9 (250) 561-1696 phone (250) 564-7552 fax

SCE-100621-MZ-A-10.ps

6/10/10

2:27 PM

Page 10

10 ❘ Family Internet Safety Guide ❘ Summer 2010

uses of internet blogs Blogs are like online diaries where kids, teens and adults can write about many subjects. However, they are not private and, in most cases, anyone can view them. Blogs can also be a way for people to connect over common interests, keep up-to-date on what friends are doing and learn about other places or cultures. At the same time, blogs may pose a danger to young people who use such places as an intimate diaries or stumble upon a blog with inappropriate content.

• Many blog services have safety or privacy features. Users should activate such settings to keep their private information within a more private domain. For example, profiles should be visible only to their accepted friends.

• Get the conversation started early. Parents should encourage children to routinely tell them if they have a cool new blog because many youth think their parents will make them delete if they find out about it.

• Parents might create their own family blogs and ask the child for help.

here are some things to remember about blogs • Use blog-sorting websites, which either filter bad blogs or highlight good ones.

• Some bloggers post their full name, school, home address and/or phone number. Don't do it. This is dangerous because strangers could then easily find your child.

• Be suspicious as people who post comments or request your child as a friend on a blog service such as Myspace or Facebook might not be telling the truth about who they are.

• Users should be cautious about posting photos to their blogs because people could confront them in public or use their photos inappropriately.

Sign Up Today!

First race is free • Membership $55 per year • $5 per race • Registration is all season long All you need is a long sleeve shirt, long pants, helmet and closed toe shoes - and of course a bike!

00669246

www.princegeorgebmx.com Located in Carrie Jane Grey Park behind the YMCA

SCE-100621-MZ-A-11.ps

6/10/10

2:27 PM

Page 11

Family Internet Safety Guide ❘ Summer 2010 ❘ 11

uses of internet chat rooms and social networks Chat rooms are digital spaces where people who may not personally know each other can interact, discuss and talk.

Chat rooms often have specific themes including ones designed for youth and teens.

However, participants may lie about their age and may actually be adult predators who could endanger real youth partaking in the group. It is common for such people to eventually admit to lying about their age and youth should take this as a precaution that they are dealing with an adult and cease communication with them. Chat rooms should not be a place to foster new relations with strangers who may not always be who they say they are.

pedophilia • Chat rooms are a main concern of adults with regard to paedophilia.

Adults should explain to children not all forums are safe and stress the need to let adults know which chat rooms they use.

• Check with an Internet service provider about the different ways to block access to unsafe chat rooms from children.

• Ask the Internet service provider to recommend appropriate forums for young people.

• Do not allow children to disclose their personal information on the Internet. If they have already done so, explain why they should never do this again and follow up with the information provided above.

• Ask about and take interest in both online and real-life friends. Adults should get to know and be aware of the people with whom children are communicating online.

• Explain to children online friends are strangers in the real world. Let children know if they are willing to meet their online friends in person, an adult should accompany them.

• Encourage children to tell adults if they encounter any e-mail or sites that make them feel bad or uncomfortable and make clear to them an adult can help solve the problem.

Here are some tips on how to be active and safe in a chat room • Parents should remind children to not give out any private information such as addresses, telephone numbers or photos.

• Parents should talk with their children about the chat rooms and social networks they like.

• Youth and teens should stay in chat rooms and social networks within their age range • Participants should cut off all communication with anyone in a chat group who makes an inappropriate comment or reveals they have lied about anything.

• Youth and teenagers should use chat rooms only to talk to real life friends and family.

undesired sites pornography When children use the Internet, there are an unlimited number of sites available but some are risky or inappropriate. Pornographic sites and paedophiliac pages are just two examples of Internet use that can have a negative effect on children. The first measure adults can take is to install blocking and filtering software to prevent access to these sites. But there are also other alternatives: • Do not allow children to use their personal e-mail to subscribe to services, publications or information on the Internet.

• Always use a family e-mail address.

• Build a family code agreed upon by consensus

with the children, and explain unauthorized content, such as pornography, etc.

• Search for web pages adults and children can view together.

• Check with the Internet service provider about the availability of blocking and filtering software for undesirable content.

• Go beyond websites and be aware of unwanted emails and spam as well since they too may contain unwanted pornographic messages.

• Explain to children the need to delete these types of messages before reading them. Never answer these messages.

• Encourage children to tell household adults if they encounter any e-mail or site that makes them feel bad or uncomfortable. Make clear to them an adult can help solve the problem.

SCE-100621-MZ-A-12.ps

6/10/10

2:27 PM

Page 12

uses of internet copy and paste

Make Sylvan a part of your summer schedule! t 4UVEFOUT DBO MPTF BT NVDI BT NPOUIT PG MFBSOJOH PWFS UIF TVNNFS t 4ZMWBO XJMM QJOQPJOU UIF TLJMMT ZPVS DIJME OFFET BOE EFWFMPQ B TVNNFS QSPHSBN UP IFMQ NBTUFS UIFN t 'MFYJCMF TVNNFS IPVST Bring this coupon with you and receive a FREE ASSESSMENT UPON ENROLLMENT (valued at $175.00)

Call today!

250-562-7311 Sylvan Learning 1645 Spruce Street Prince George, BC V2L 2R3

www.SylvanLearning.ca OFFER EXPIRES AUGUST 16, 2010

667489

Parent Support Services Programs & Services

00669277

Parenting is a difficult job. Our Support Circles offer parents a place to be real without judgment. Circles and programs vary according to community need and support.

Parent Support Services Society Prince George. tel: 250.561.0607 Fax: 250.562.8102 Email: parentnorth@shaw.ca • www.parentsupportbc.ca

Copy and paste are two words that seem to be popular with children who use the Internet to do homework. Some children may find a text on a site and copy and paste it directly into their own schoolwork.

Some children may think every piece of information available on the Internet can be copied and used literally, without quoting the source.

Children should be taught the meaning of plagiarism – taking someone else’s ideas and presenting them as one’s own – as soon as they start using the Internet to do homework.

When a student takes a document from a website and duplicates it word for word, without reference to the author or the source, a parent or teacher may believe the student is the author.The problem of plagiarism is then compounded with a student’s inability to develop critical thinking skills.The ability to think critically about a text is diminished if a student simply copies and pastes a document as it appears.

How can we explain this to children? • It is valuable and correct to use texts and sources provided on the Internet, provided these sources are quoted and properly referenced. • Children should be encouraged to write information taken from the Internet in their own words, instead of copying a text just as it is. In this case, it is important they cite the websites used. • Children should read and reread information from the Internet several times before using it in order to check its reliability. • Adults should help children seek information on different websites. • Most importantly, adults should teach children how to evaluate websites, which questions to ask about a text and how to analyze the results. • Adults should recommend the websites of recognizable institutions which provide reputable information. • Children should be reminded a teacher could detect easily a text copied from a web site because if many students refer to the same site, the work they present is often identical. • Using several sources, analyzing them, quoting and rewriting the information in one’s own words is always the best approach.

SCE-100621-MZ-A-13.ps

6/10/10

2:27 PM

Page 13

Family Internet Safety Guide ❘ Summer 2010 ❘ 13

tips for avoiding and preventing

cyber bullying

VALERIE GILES SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN Positive uses for communications technology make our lives convenient. Cell phones and computers allow us to stay in touch. That same convenience can also be abused by those intent on creating mischief, causing annoyance or making threats.

Cyber bullying can cause misery. It is easy to assume the recipient could just avoid opening any message from a meanie. But the way social networks like Facebook and Twitter work, 'friend requests' tend to be accepted and results in postings which everyone can see. People need to be reminded that anybody who becomes annoying can be deleted from the 'friends' list so that person’s messages no longer come through.

Local businessman Gary Townsend understands modern communications technology and how it can be used and abused. Once he became aware of the problems young people were having, he decided to take a proactive approach. He developed workshops on the subject of cyber bullying for parents, teens and younger children. The workshops will be offered again in the fall. Call 250-613-9326 or e-mail him at garyt@proficientech.net for more information.

tips for children • Use street smarts when communicating on the computer. Don’t share personal information with strangers. Think of an alias to use online instead of your real name and identity so you can control who knows it’s you.

• Go on the internet for a purpose; don’t 'wander

aimlessly' in cyberspace. Just like the real world, there are dangers in the virtual world, too.

• Have a variety of things to do during the day. Sitting at a computer screen for hours detracts from having a balanced life.

That’s like working but not getting paid!

• Don’t provoke fights. You can ignore threats and mean comments. Consider the source and don’t acknowledge rude people.

tips for parents • Monitor your child’s computer use. Set up the computer in a common area like the family room.

• Check your child’s call log and text messages to see who is contacting them.

• There is no need for children to use cell phones overnight. Set that rule from the beginning and prevent chatting and texting from interfering with sleep.

• Don’t assume a child is capable of making decisions which are best for him or her.

For every good use of technology, there is always an evil one.

It is always a good idea to consider the source if somebody behaves in a cruel way. Insecure and unhappy people sometimes attempt to feel better about themselves by putting others down. That is no way to be a friend. Our grandmothers were right when they used the old adage,“If you would have a friend, then be one!”

SCE-100621-MZ-A-14.ps

6/10/10

2:27 PM

Page 14

14 ❘ Family Internet Safety Guide ❘ Summer 2010

10 recommendations for

adults 1. Spend time with children online.

As with other media, the best way for an adult to know how children use the Internet is to use it along with them.This allows an adult to understand what children do when they surf the Internet, to know their favourite online sites and the way they use the Internet.The key to this shared navigation is dialogue.

2. Create an Internet Family Code together.

Encourage a discussion with children about writing a family code together and about the use of the Internet, such as the amount of time per day, authorized content and sites that may be visited; rules about chat rooms, etc.

3. Encourage children to discuss what is bothering them with adults.

Children unintentionally may find bothersome sites on the Internet. Explain to them they should not feel they are alone when confronted with a message or a web page that makes them feel badly. Let them know they will feel better if they share this information with the family.

4. Keep the computer in a shared area of the house.

When children use the computer alone in their bedrooms, it is more difficult for adults to share experience with them. Keep the computer in a family room.

5. Place the laptop in a common room as well.

Some families use a laptop and in this case as well it’s important that it is kept in a common room. If children bring a laptop to their bedroom, they will be using it alone without an adult present.

6. Explain to children the importance of not giving out personal data.

Many children provide personal data via the Internet not only to new friends but also to sites from which they want to receive information. Adults should make it clear that children should not give out their personal data under any circumstances. If they would like to subscribe to a website, it is better to create a family account to receive the information or any messages.

7. Use more than a single web page as a source when doing homework.

Internet is one of the sources children habitually use to

do homework. Adults should explain to children the value of visiting more than one web site when conducting a search for information, of using pages with different viewpoints and of citing the sources used.

8. Ask about chat room activity.

Children and adolescents love chatting and this is a main activity for them on the Internet. Adults should ensure the chat rooms they use are safe and should participate in them if necessary. Adults should also know which friends are chatting with their children.

9. Collaborate with an Internet Service provider.

Check with an Internet Service provider to learn about the tools available to protect young children while they are using the Internet. Call and ask providers to install these devices.

10. Filter use.

Although dialogue, communication and agreement by consensus are the most important tools for learning about how children use the Internet, filters or other protection systems are also valuable. Find out the best options in addition to what is offered by an Internet service provider.

The World Association of Newspapers thanks Roxana Morduchowicz, Argentina Media Education and these trustworthy organizations and publications for their ideas: OFCOM Report. Media Literacy. London. 2006; Parent Resource Center – iKeepSafe Coalition, 2008, ikeepsafe.org/PRC/, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Teen Safety on the Internet, www.pamf.org/teen/life/risktaking/internet.html

SCE-100621-MZ-A-15.ps

6/10/10

2:27 PM

Page 15

VALERIE GILES SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN

Family Internet Safety Guide ❘ Summer 2010 ❘ 15

It takes a community The proverb ‘it takes a village to raise a

child' happens to be true. It is also true that modern parents need some help.

Almost all parents are working and many families end up moving away from their home towns and leaving behind the support once provided by relatives. In the meantime, modern technology has loomed into children’s lives. Along with that convenience, opportunity for interference in their lives can come from unwanted contact.

Schools are responsible for the safety of their students while on school property during school hours.

This involves taking attendance and checking on any child who is not at school. Nancy Armstrong, principal at Ron Brent Elementary, describes how the school accounts daily for every child.

“A call is made every morning for any child not at school if a parent or guardian has not called in," said Armstrong. "In the rare case that a child skips out of school, the police are called if parents cannot be contacted.”

In addition, they have youth workers and other staff who go out and look for children not in attendance.

Presentations are made in classrooms about the basics. Children are told to walk to and from school with a buddy.They are also instructed to report imme-

diately any strangers they see watching activity around the school.

Teachers are also alert watch for changes in a child’s behaviour which may signal something is wrong or has happened to cause upset feelings.

Caution about safety begins early in elementary schools. School counselor Nancy Alexander runs the C.A.R.E. (Challenge Abuse through Respect Education) program at Ron Brent and Spruceland. Geared for Grades 1 to 3, children are taught the basics about what to do if feeling unsafe:TALK (say no and tell the person to go away),WALK (stay out of arm’s reach of a stranger), and SQUAWK (just yell!).

Whenever she speaks to pupils in the upper elementary grades, Alexander talks candidly about safety and developing street smarts. Prevention and avoidance of awkward situations can make the difference in staying safe. She emphasizes three points: tell parents or guardians when you are leaving; have a friend walk with you; don’t be out after dark.

Programs are presented in the classrooms or with small groups meeting at school. Content is kept relevant to the age group so it is meaningful. Recently, onair personality Chris Walker, host of the CBC’s Daybreak show came to Ron Brent school to moderate a discussion about safety in the neighbourhood. He broadcast the discussion from the classroom which made the event even more interesting for those taking part.

THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP The Prince George Native Friendship Centre has grown and continues to be one of the largest and busiest community service delivery agencies in Prince George. Our clientele of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples have supported the Centre’s program offerings for the last 40 years. The Friendship Centre provides culturally appropriate programming to meet the community’s unique and diverse needs. We offer a wide variety of services, which include educational, cultural, employment, health, and social programs.

MEDICINE WHEEL

00668729

Safety plans are important tools for children. A safety plan sets out possible actions you can take to increase your safety and the safety of your children.

They can help you prepare for the possibility of further violence.

There are many different aspects of safety planning.

The safety plans are presented using the medicine wheel teachings. You can explore safety-planning techniques across a range of elements.

Most safety plans deal only with how to escape in a crisis and get to someplace safe. In addition to physical safety planning, the safety plans also deal with the emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of being and keeping safe.

The Prince George Native Friendship Centre 1600 THIRD AVENUE, PRINCE GEORGE, BC 250 564-3568 www.pgnfc.com

SCE-100621-MZ-A-16.ps

6/10/10

2:28 PM

Page 16

16 ❘ Family Internet Safety Guide ❘ Summer 2010

Community Policing VALERIE GILES SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN The RCMP operates long standing successful programs like D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) and B.R.A.V.E. (Bully Resistance Anti-Violence Education) to arm youngsters against unsavoury and unlawful influences.

In Prince George, two community policing offices are staffed to provide information and support. One is located downtown at 575 Brunswick Avenue and the other is in the Hart area at 3664 West Austin Road.

Drop by to obtain copies of useful pamphlets on subjects of safety concern.There are also age-appropriate workbooks like a safety booklet for children with comics, pictures to colour, and word games and a booklet on drug facts for young people that informs about dangers, positive choices, and lessons about role models and making decisions.

The community policing home page at communitypolicing.princegeorge.ca/programs.html also has a 20page bilingual colouring book with exercises to have fun while learning with the Safety Bear mascot.

Police have opportunities to go into schools to make presentations on subjects like drug abuse, personal safety and bullying, explained Constable Carissa Hornoi, who is in charge of community policing in Prince George.

Modern technology has introduced dangers for unwanted contact through texting and the social networks on the internet.Young people need to be cautious with personal information and who can gain access to it. Everyone needs to learn about the privacy and security options available and how to use them.

“Always be concerned and aware of your personal safety and avoid places where problems are likely to occur," said Const. Hornoi. "When you are texting, that means you are temporarily unaware of your environment and may not notice activity going on around you.”

Technology, learning at school and education about life in general is an ongoing process.

“This is all part of our social development,” Hornoi said.“We all have a role in the raising of children in our community and we all have opportunities to make a positive impact. Business owners actually have potential opportunities for crime prevention by giving good customer service to young people entering their premises and treating them respectfully.”

For parents, police have information to share concerning symptoms that your child may have become involved with the wrong friends – potentially getting into trouble. Drop by one of the offices or watch for the community police booth at events like the home show, volunteer fair, youth conferences or the Prince George Exhibition.

Full Day Summer Program

RIC’S GRILL STEAK SEAFOOD & CHOPHOUSE

Ages 2-15 Fully Licensed Specialized Therapeutic: Preschool, Daycare and After school Centre.

Specializing in children and youth with: developmental, behavioral, and social/ emotional disabilities.

STERLING SILVER PREMIUM STEAKS. FRESH FISH & SEAFOOD. INSPIRED PASTAS & HOUSEMADE SPECIALTIES.

Call 250 561-9199

TRADITIONAL. ORIGINAL. 668728

547 George Street 250.614.9096 www.ricsgrill.com

Endless Possibilities Early Intervention Centre

670242

for more information and to Register.

Hours: 7:30am - 6:00pm 3955 Hart Hwy. (Old Hart Highway School)

SCE-100621-MZ-A-17.ps

6/10/10

2:28 PM

Page 17

Prince George Daycare & After School Care Services BUTTERFLIES AND BLUE JEANS DAYCARE FULLTIME SPACE AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY! $50 off first month.

Small licensed daycare in the Heritage/Highglen area is currently accepting children 2 1/2 - 5 yrs. We have a fun, preschool based curriculum, we provide snacks and we play outdoors daily. Well established ECE run daycare. Call Karen for more details 250-981-5581

BUZZY BEE’S CHILD CARE Lower College Heights Daycare.

1 part-time space for 1 and up Tues, Wed and Thursday and 4 and up, full or part-time. Fenced yard, snacks & lunch included. Call Candace 250-964-1151

CHILD CARE RESOURCE & REFERRAL Looking for childcare? CCRR has a database of child care centres that links parents to finding quality child care. Call our office today to receive a referral. Call 250-563-2483 or visit our website www.ccrr.bc.ca and click on Find a Child Care Provider.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTRE Has daycare and preschool space available for September 2010. Day care - Monday to Friday 7:30 - 5pm.

Preschool Monday/Wednesday classes 9-11:30 and 1-3:30.

Tuesday/Thursday classes 9-11:30 and 1-3:30. Friday classes 9-11:30.

Call 250-563-7168 or drop in @ 1687 Strathcona for further information.

DEB’S DAYCARE Licensed Family Daycare in Foothills has full time spaces available Aug 1.

Incl meals, arts & crafts, circle time, outside play and more. Pickup avail. from Heritage Elem.

Call Debbie. 250-563-4403

ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES EARLY INTERVENTION CENTRE Therapeutic child care services.

Spaces available for fully licensed year round-preschool, daycare and

after school care, for typical and special needs children. Register now for our full day summer program. Highly qualified staff and 3-1 child staff ratio. Subsidy and other funding options available. For more information call: 250 561-9199

ECE qualified teacher. Enroll your child in a safe, fun, clean creative & educational program now. Real-time webcam! Parents can peek in on their children from any computer!

Password Protected! Call now 250-563-2880

HARMONY DAY CARE

PRINCE GEORGE NANNIES AND CAREGIVERS LTD.

Safe and affordable. Spaces available. Licensed group care, two blocks from CNC and Pine Centre.

Early Childhood Education from ECE teachers. 2 1/2 to 5 yrs, before & after school care (Westwood School). 250-562-9881 for info

HEART TO HART PRESCHOOL & AFTER SCHOOL CARE We are moving. We will be in Heather Park Elem. School for fall 2010. New 3 1/2 hr morning preschool program to better prepare children for kindergarten. Before & after school care avail. Shuttle service from Glenview school.

Structured program lead by ECE. Pre-registration is reccommended.

250-613-6653.

LE COIN DES PETITS PRÉMATERNELLE PRESCHOOL Register your child in this unique French preschool “Le Coin des Petits” for Sept. 2010. This program exists since 1977 and offers a life enriching experience for your child.

This French preschool includes a dual track: French program or Immersion and is located beside the beautiful Fort George Park. Info line: 250-561-2565.

PAXTON SHUTTLE SERVICE Accepting applications for private shuttle service to school or home from school or to daycare. Fully licensed and insured. 250-5633850. www.paxtonshuttle.ca

PRESCHOOL OF THE ARTS

Full time live-in childcare and eldercare including housekeeping.

Call Rebecca 250-612-2995

PROFESSIONAL CHILD MINDING Licensed Family Daycare by the hour.

Play dates, emergency care, shopping, appointments. Ages 2 and up.

250-562-6373

TEETER TOTS EARLY LEARNING CENTRE Licensed Group Daycare and After School Care Program. Spaces available, shuttling from three local schools, two classrooms, two playgrounds and an indoor gym.

Hours of operation 7am - 6pm. Please contact Theressa at (250) 964-2722 or email: dcasc@telus.net for all registration inquiries.

TINKER TOTS FAMILY DAYCARE Pinecone/Westwood Licensed full time daycare and before and after school care. Breakfast, lunch & snacks. Spaces available for ages 1-12. Call today. Open Saturdays.

250-617-3988.

ZIGGY’S BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE Licensed daycare starting for September. Openings for 4 children, kindergarten to grade 5. Take children to school & pick up from school. Lots of activities. 30 years experience. References available.

250-962-6887

Morning Preschool 9:00am 11:30am. Two Programs Monday, Wednesday & Friday or Tuesday & Thursday. After school care program ages 6-11; 2:30 - 5:30pm.

671908

SCE-100621-MZ-A-18.ps

6/10/10

2:28 PM

Page 18

18 ❘ Family Internet Safety Guide ❘ Summer 2010

Tweens – Value yourself!

Humans are very social creatures and relationships can be vital to a person’s wellness and growth. As you develop, build relationships with your family and with yourself as well as with friends.

Create friendships with people who care about you and bring positive things to your life. Ask yourself,“What do I want in a relationship?” to discover what sort of people you want to have in your life.

“Relationships are a two-way street, whether with your friends or parents,” says Sandi DeWolf,Team Leader, Early Intervention Program and Eating Disorders at Northern Health.“Each person has needs.”

For parents: Creating healthy attitudes Remember you can influence your children to make healthy choices, to feel capable of managing the challenges of life and to realize their worth.

Good communication is vital. Simple things can help to improve it: • Create family “traditions.” Share meals, make time to talk, enjoy activities together.These offer opportunities for creating strong bonds.

SUBMITTED BY NORTHERN HEALTH • Avoid “power struggles.” Defuse stressful situations by taking time to calm down.Then devote your energy to working things out.

• Body language says a lot. Learn to see the feelings behind the message and validate them. Good communication doesn’t always involve a formal discussion. Be relaxed and responsive.

Sitting down as a family and emotionally connecting with loved ones over meals is one of the best ways to discover what they are feeling and thinking. It is also a time to consider the role of food in our lives. Attitudes and beliefs about food and eating are central to our health and well-being. Parents have great influence because children learn these attitudes from them.

“Regular family dinners with all family members present, have been found to help guard against many children developing maladaptive behaviours,” says DeWolf.

Parents can encourage healthy attitudes by: • Learning about physical fitness and healthy eating.

• Communicating clearly.

• Problem solving with your kids.

• Modeling healthy behaviours to encourage a child’s healthy self image.

• Remaining emotionally involved with your young adult.

• Teaching kids to become accepting of all kinds of individual differences, in themselves and others.

Children need their parents.They feel better about themselves when they know that they have an important place in the family.

For the ‘tween: Build a positive self-image Think about what makes you “you.” Ask yourself: • What are three things I value about myself?

• What are three things that make me interesting?

• What are three things I am good at?

• What are three things that I believe about myself?

• What are three things that make me feel good?

• Why can my friends count on me?

One list cannot tell you how to turn negative thoughts into positive ones. It can help you think about new ways of being you.The more you do that, the more likely you are to feel good about yourself.

• Appreciate all that your body can do. Laugh, run, dance, and breathe!

• Keep a top-10 list of things you like about yourself.

• Remember that “true beauty” is not simply skindeep.

• Carry yourself with confidence, self-acceptance and openness.

• Look at yourself as a whole person.

• Surround yourself with positive people.

• Overpower negative thoughts with positive ones.

Remember how strong you are.

• Become a critical viewer of media. Pay attention to images, slogans or attitudes that make you feel bad about yourself. Challenge them. Ask yourself what the truth is.

• Pamper yourself. Have a bubble bath; take a nap or a peaceful walk.

T

he principle core of the Kiwanis mission is the belief that the most effective way to enhance a community is to enhance its children. When you give a child a chance to learn, experience, dream, and succeed, great things will happen.

664321

For more information on healthy living, visit www.northernhealth.ca.

SCE-100621-MZ-A-19.ps

6/10/10

2:28 PM

Page 19

SCE-100621-MZ-A-20.ps

6/11/10

2:32 PM

Page 20

00669245

...OMG... Pine Cntr is r place 2 STAND OUT...lol

going to the mall for the first time with your friends can be exciting...

• be aware • be informed • be safe Give the Gift of Choice...

A Pine Centre Gift Card

This is your place to

3055 Massey Drive, Prince George ❘ www.pinecentremall.com

STAND OUT