Huron Expositor, 2009-05-27, Page 21News
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Tpaileirre.
Parents and kids learn how to safely use the Internet
Dau Schwab
nology but they need to- be cautious
Van Mierlo advised kids not to de-
velop an online. relationship with
someone they haven't met in per-
son.
"If you see a stranger in the street,
would you tell them things about
yourself?" she said. "Then why do
it on a computer?"
Doctor added that -it's also impor-
tant not to post information on the
Internet that may compromise a
person's safety and security.
"Don't write mes-
sages like, `We're going
on vacation next week,'"
Doctor told kids and
parents.
Doctor also asked
how •many attending
the workshop used on-,
line banking. Almost
everyone raised their
hand and Doctor told
them there are some
precautions to take
when banking online.
It's important to see
the letters "https" at
the front of the address
bar when accessing
your banking informa-
tion online, Doctor says.
This stands for Hypertext Trans-
fer Protocol Secure, and if the "s"
doesn't appear, it's likely the web -
page is a sham, Doctor said.
"Some people might have had an
email sent to them claiming it's
from their bank, saying their ac-
count has been compromised," Doc-
tor said.
"No financial institution will con-
tact you online," Van Mierlo added.
"Be careful with passwords and
don't give them to friends."
For more information on kids and
Internet safe -
41111111113111110 too.
Much of kids' time is spent on the
Internet and parents need to be
aware of who they're talking to and -
what websites they're visiting, says
Diana Doctor, a`' system computer
trainer with the -Avon-Maitland
District School Board.
At a tech workshop at Seaforth
Public School on May 11, Doctor
told about 20 parents and kids they
should be talking openly with each
other about Internet usage, from
instant messaging to
posting photos on so-
cial networking sites.
"Kids are texting,
using webcams, snap-
ping pictures right,
left and centre," she
said. "But they don't
always think about
the ramifications of
where that informa-
tion ends up. Once it's
on the Internet, any-
body can copy it and
send it to anyone."
Doctor has been of-
fering Internet safety
workshops for the past
four years in schools.
When she started, the
focus was more often on technical
matters. Now, since kids' usage or
the Internet has changed dramati-
cally in the past few years, there
are ethical concerns to consider.
"We need to talk with kids because
they're going to use the Internet at
home, school or at the library. This
is their world," she said. "Times are
changing and adults need to change
too."
This was the first tech workshop
Doctor offered that invited parents
to attend.
Huron OPP Const. Joanna Va
n
Mierlo was also there to answer ty, visit www.
their questions and address kids yourschools.ca/
about using the Internet wisely. internetsafety.
"I'm torn," Van Mierlo , said. "We
need to let kids progress with tech-
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Dan Schwab photo
Diana Doctor, a system computer trainer with the Avon -Maitland District School
Board speaks to parents and kids during a computer workshop May 11.
HEY,
DID
U
EAR?
Dave
Collins
is 60
years?
BIRTHDAY
4
Lloyd Eisler
May 28a'
Love from Bev, your children
&andclvldren
1
NEM
Brodhagen Community Centre
Dance
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Dancing from 8 - 12 midnight
Live Music by
Campfire Country
Band
featuring "Digger"
$10/person
For more information
contact 519-345-2654
Congratulations Mom and Dad
on your_
60th Wedding Anniversary
Doreen and Jack Eisler
May 28th, 1949
Love and Best Wishes
Cindy and Ken, Gary and Cathy
and your Grandchildren
r