Be SMART

Children love the Internet

It's a great way to have lots of fun and to find out about all sorts of interesting things. Children can also use it to get in touch with others by visiting chat rooms and sending emails.

Using the Internet in Suffolk libraries and record offices

Your child needs a current library card and PIN (Personal Identification Number). If you do not want your child to access the Internet please speak to a member of staff and we will alter his/her library card. This restriction normally applies until your child is 16.

What you can do to help keep your child safe

Agree some rules of computer safety with your child; talk to them about the SMART rules below.

Encourage your child to use recommended web sites. We signpost these on our Children's book zone and Help with homework pages; both are completely safe web environments for children aged 5-13.

Advice for parents and carers can be found on Using the Internet: keeping your child safe.

If you don't know much about the Internet yourself, we can help you. Ask a member of staff about the introductory sessions that are available in libraries and record offices. If your children know more than you do, let them be your guide!

Parents/carers of children remain responsible for them at all times and if your child is under 8 you need to stay in the library or record office during their visit.

Filtering

Content filtering will always be switched on in children's libraries. However, this will not exclude all undesirable content and children can learn very quickly how to avoid filter controls.

You are responsible for your child's use of the Internet and the sites they access.

Further information

• Suffolk County Council's guidance on Internet security and privacy when using public computers such as those in libraries:

  Internet security

• The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) has an online resource for parents where you will find information on the latest Internet safety issues called ParentsCentre (previously known as Parents online):

  www.parentscentre.gov.uk

• Childnet has useful online resources and leaflets for young people and parents:

  www.childnet-int.org

  www.chatdanger.com

• Kidsmart is a practical Internet safety advice web site for schools produced by the children's Internet charity, Childnet:

  www.kidsmart.org.uk

• The Cyberspace Research Unit, part of the University of Central Lancashire, runs a web site – For Kids by Kids Online, which aims to give young people the knowledge, skills and tools they need to use the Internet safely:

  www.fkbko.co.uk

• The Internet Watch Foundation, a body funded by the Internet industry, aims to have illegal material, such as images of child abuse, removed from the internet:

  www.iwf.org.uk

Keep your personal details secret. Never use your parent's credit card without their permission and never give away your name, address, or passwords - it's like handing over the keys to your home. Use a nickname when you log-on;

Never meet someone you have contacted in cyberspace without your parent's/carer's permission, and then only when they can be present;

Don't accept emails, open attachments or download files from people or organisations you don't really know or trust – they may contain viruses or nasty messages;

Remember that someone online may not be who they say they are. If you feel uncomfortable or worried in a chat room simply get out of there!

Tell your parent or carer if someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable or worried.