New York State Library

Kids and the Internet

Questions and Answers for Parents on Safe and Effective Use of the Internet at the Public Library

Q. What is the Internet?

A. The Internet is a worldwide computer network that provides easy access to a constantly changing and vast body of information. Here are some examples of the types of places to visit and services offered online:

• Web sites, which can be sponsored by educational and nonprofit organizations, manufacturers, publisher, other businesses, or individuals.
• Message Boards, which are bulletin-board-style postings on specific topics.
• Chat rooms, which usually center on a particular subject, and permit visitors to talk to each other.
• E-mail accounts, which let you send written messages to a person or a group of people around the world.
• Instant Messaging, which allows you to talk in real time to other people who are also online.

Q. Why do public libraries offer Internet access?

A. Access to the Internet significantly expands a library's services and resources beyond those materials normally provided within a library's walls. Through the Internet, library users can gain direct access to many valuable local, regional, national, and international sources of information, such as educational institutions and government agencies. The Internet is a powerful educational tool. Children should learn to use it effectively to prepare for the career and family responsibilities they'll face as adults.

Q. Is the Internet regulated and accurate?

A. The Internet is currently unregulated. Therefore, not all Internet sources provide accurate, complete, or up-to-date information. Some Internet sites include offensive materials.

Q. What is CIPA?

A. CIPA stands for Children's Internet Protection Act. The Act requires libraries that receive federal money to have filtering software on all computers with Internet access. Adult patrons (17 and older) may request that the filters be turned off without stating a reason. Libraries are also allowed to unblock specific sites. (More information about CIPA)

Q. Does filtering software protect children?

A. A variety of Internet filtering software is available, but the effectiveness of these products is limited. No filter can keep up with the changing locations and explosive growth of Internet sites. Filters don't block all possibly objectionable sites, and they may block information that is legitimate and helpful. Filters cannot possibly take the place of parents' choice and responsibility in deciding what their own children should be able to access electronically.

Q. Can the library control how my child uses the Internet?

A. Public libraries can help parents educate their children in using the Internet safely and effectively. While libraries are eager to form such partnerships with parents, they can't take the place of parents. It's essential that you educate yourself and your children about proper use of the Internet. By educating yourself, you can maximize the benefits and minimize the risks when your children use the Internet at the library or in your home.

Many libraries provide special web sites for children and teens that offer interesting, educational, and entertaining places to surf the net. (We've provided a list on the back of this sheet). Ask your library director or your children's librarian about other sites and local links to good resources for kids.

Q. How can I find out how my local library is handling Internet access for kids?

A. If your library offers Internet access for the public it should have a written policy. The policy will include procedures for Internet use that apply to all library users. Ask for a copy of the policy or rules and regulations. Discuss any concerns with library staff.

Q. How can I help my children use the Internet safely?

A. First learn to use the Internet yourself. Ask at your local library for information on hands-on training for parents and the availability of user-friendly written materials. A web site that can help improve online proficiency is GetNetWise.

Establish firm family rules for Internet use. For example, your kids should never give out your family's name, telephone number, or address to a stranger on the Internet. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has a site with guidelines and other information called Child Safety on the Information Highway. For a fun site with games and movies to teach kids about Internet safety, visit Netsmartz.

Finally, encourage your kids to use library-designed web sites that focus specifically on the needs and interests of children and teenagers. The list below gives some good examples:

• Kids Click! Ramapo Catskill Library System, Middletown, NY
• Kids' Website; Mohawk Valley Library System, Schenectady, NY
• OWLS Home Page; Westchester Library System, Ardsley, NY
• Teen Link; The New York Public Library, New York, NY
• On-Lion for Kids; The New York Public Library, New York, NY
• OCPL's Sites for Kids and Teens; Onondaga County Public Library, Syracuse, NY
• Great Web Sites for Kids; Association for Library Service to Children, American Library Association, Chicago, IL
• Queens Library Kids LinQ; Queens Borough Public Library, Queens NY
• Queens Library Teen LinQ; Queens Borough Public Library, Queens NY
• Internet Public Library Kidspace; School of Information, University of Michigan
• Internet Public Library Teenspace; School of Information, University of Michigan

Here are some other sites that provide guidelines for parents:

• The Children's Partnership
• American Library Association Safety Tips for Parents and Kids
• 4Kids Safe Surfing
• Net-Mom News, a newsletter for parents by Jean Armour Polly

Posted: March 23, 1999/kd; revised June 14, 2004 -- cp-p/asm
URL: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/pub/parqa.htm