Moral science project

WHAT IS CYBERSPACE?
Cyberspace is the Internet. We use the Internet in many ways - to talk to our friends and
family, play
video games, download music, watch TV shows, and much more.
Our families use the Internet to conduct work and business. Companies manage
transportation, electricity,
banking, and other important everyday activities online. Can you imagine the world without
the internet?

What can you do to be cyber safe?
Follow the same rules online as you do in real life.
Dont talk to strangers: Don't communicate with strangers online and never agree to
meet in person.
Tell a parent or another adult if a stranger contacts you in a chat room or through email or
text
message.
Look both ways before crossing the street: Don't enter contests, join clubs, or share
your personal
information online for any reason, unless your parents say it's OK. Personal information
includes your
name, address, age, phone number, birthday, email address, where you go to school, and
other facts
about you.
Remember all that glitters is not gold: Have you ever received an email offering
something free,
like a cell phone or concert tickets? These are tricks designed to get you to give up
personal
information.

Students in this age group know a lot and most use the Internet regularly. Your
best tool for keeping them focused is to engage them in the discussion by
consistently asking for their feedback. Early in the presentation, find out what
they know so that you can spend time reinforcing key concepts that keep them
safe and build upon their understanding of what it means to be a good digital
citizen.
Students at this age level often crave privacy. An important underlying theme
to your presentation should be for them to have open communication with
parents, guardians, teachers, or other trusted adults.
Key concepts for students at this age level to understand and apply to their online
experience:
It is essential that students understand and commit to not sharing personal
information with people they view as "friends" online. This includes their real
name, address, phone number, financial information, school name, passwords, or
other private information.
Although many students at this age level know basic ways to stay safe while
online, they must also commit to ethical online users. Simple items to review
include:
1. Post only what you would feel comfortable with the whole world seeing,
including parents or college admissions personnel.
2. Never use the Internet to spread gossip, bully or hurt someones
reputation.
Students should understand what security tools are available to use on most
computers to further protect themselves, their personal information, and their
computer from viruses, spyware, and spam.
Students must also understand that they are in charge of their online
experience and should manage it the way they would in the real world. If
something or someone online makes them feel uncomfortable, they have the
right to not respond, delete a post, and most importantly tell a trusted adult.
Students must commit to never meet in person with someone they met online
- See more at: http://www.staysafeonline.org/teach-online-safety/middle-and-high-
school/#sthash.K132xcz0.dpuf

The Internet is an amazing place! There are so many games, fun web sites, and great
ways to keep in touch with your friends. Just like the real world, there are a few
things you need to keep in mind to protect yourself

The Internet is no longer a novelty. It is an established
presence in many, many people's lives. Having grown from a
computer-based 'fad' to an integral part of mobile phone
technology, the Internet has become a must-have item for not
only business people and students, but just plain folks.
Unfortunately, the Internet, available to virtually anyone, is also
home to a whole new type of predator. No one is exempt from
problems that could arise from this type of predator. Identity
theft, cyberstalking, cyberbullying, all terms relatively new to
users of the World Wide Web, have become items of global
concern. Because of these concerns, yet another term has been
coined, cyber security. People need to learn how to keep
themselves and their children safe online.

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM).


Cybercrime
The first category is cybercrime--or the threats caused by financially motivated strangers.
Whether in the form of computer viruses, Trojan horses, phishing attacks, or spam
emails, cybercrime keeps growing and changing each year. It's so important for parents to stay on
top of the varied threats. This can be daunting, especially if you feel you aren't tech savvy or don't
know where to look for help. Fortunately there are several steps you can take to keep cybercrime in
all its forms away from your computer, your home network, and your family's information. Follow
these tips yourself, and pass them along to your kids.
1. Use an Internet security suite, like Norton 360 or Norton Internet Security, on all computers
you own. Using plain antivirus is just not enough protection. You need a full firewall, antispyware,
and other protection a suite can provide.
2. Keep your home network secured with a good password and security settings.
3. Learn to avoid clicking links, responding to ads, and opening emails when they come from
someone you don't know or appear suspicious. Just take that extra moment to call your friend ("Did
you post that link?"), type the URL for your bank, or otherwise display your worldly wisdom
by not falling for these social engineering tricks.
4. Use a good password (unique and complex) on all accounts and devices. The two most important
account passwords are for your social network and your email account. If a hacker gets control of
your social network, he can scam your friends. If he has your email, he can reset the password on all
your other accounts by using the ubiquitous "forgot my password" link.
5. Talk to your kids about avoiding cybercrime. They need to be just as cautious as you. It's also
important that they know if they can talk to you when they make an online mistake, like falling for a
scamware alert and downloading something dangerous to the computer. Many kids are savvy enough
to realize when they've downloaded a virus, but few are comfortable admitting their mistake to
their parents.
Cyberbullying
The second category is the harm that can befall your child from people they know. Typically, this
means cyberbullying, the single most common online harm our children will experience. Statistics
vary, but at least 20 percent of kids will receive harassing, hateful, or insulting messages via social
networks, emails, instant messages, videos, and texts.
Interestingly enough, unlike its non-tech relative, cyberbullying inherently allows roles to be
reversed almost instantaneously. The victim can become the bully just by responding to a mean
email with another verbal volley.
We have much work to do in our schools and online communities to promote online civility and
kindness. We also need to promote appropriate responses when a child is confronted with
cyberbullying. A great resource for information about all forms of bullying can be found
at http://www.stopbullying.gov/ and specifically about cyberbullying
at http://www.cyberbullying.us/.
6. Advise your kids never to share passwords, not even with a close friend. If they think they did,
they should change the password.
7. Teach your children to log out of computers when they finish their work, even at home. This
will prevent a friend or sibling from posting or emailing using their account--even as a joke.
If your child is being cyberbullied, teach them to not respond, to keep a copy of all the messages,
and to report it to the school or website. If the messages include threats, report this to the police.
If you report the cyberbullying to the school, be sure to follow up in person and ask for a written
plan on how the school will respond to the problem. Most states have laws against this form of
abuse, and schools have an obligation to address the issue when made aware of it.
Online Reputation
The third category of online risk is the harm we cause ourselves. This can take many forms,
including sexting (sending sexual content by photo, video, or text message); posting information or
images of a private, embarrassing, or controversial nature; and even neglecting to set privacy
settings.
Sexting is definitely not something we want our underage kids to engage in. Child pornography and
other laws may require teachers, parents, and law enforcement to get involved if they become
aware of these messages. Kids may think they are sharing these images within a private
relationship, but too often the recipient shares the images, for any number of reasons. Perhaps the
relationship has ended, maybe the recipient is bragging to friends, or perhaps a friend saw the
images on the phone and forwarded them to others. (That is another reason to put a password on all
devices!)
"Online reputation" is a term for all the information available about you on the Internet, whether
through conducting a search or by viewing your profile on a social network. That composite
portrayal of you can serve as a digital dossier, telling a story that may distort the real facts of who
you are. We've often heard of young people self-sabotaging their academic, career, and romantic
futures with silly posts, photos of underage drinking, or membership in controversial online groups.
The issue of privacy on the Internet is a growing concern for many. We each need to take steps to
keep our personal information protected by securing our online accounts, limiting the information we
post in public forums, and opting out of unused or unwanted online services. Our lives are being
publicly documented to a degree that is increasingly uncomfortable. Just do an online search of
yourself and you'll see your 10K race scores, your home's mortgage information, and your tagged
photos on your social network. Private information can be used in numerous annoying and harmful
ways, so it is increasingly worthwhile to pay attention to privacy issues--and to pass along good
advice and habits to your kids.
8. Use the security and privacy settings on your social network and all accounts to limit who can
access your posts.
9. Learn about parental control settings for your phones, gaming devices, tablets, and all
computers. A great tool is the free Norton Family for PCs and Macs.
10. Talk to your kids regularly about how to use technology. Set rules and limits, and keep
technology out in the open. Learn about "The Talk," and make it an annual discussion, or for
whenever you introduce new technology into your family life.


1. Be a safe and responsible cyber citizen.
If you use the Web, e-mail or chat online, then you are a cyber citizen. Just like being with
people face-to-face, use good
manners when you communicate online. Obey laws and rules your parents and schools make
to help you stay safe when
using your computer.
Keep yourself safe. Do not give out personal information such as your address, telephone
number, parents work
address/telephone number, or the name and location of your school without permission.
Tell your parent right away if you
come across any information in cyberspace that makes you feel uncomfortable.
2. Tell your family to protect your home computer. Use anti-virus software and a firewall.
Never allow a stranger to
use your home computer.
Viruses can sneak into computers from the Internet and hurt or destroy information.
Using anti-virus software is necessary
to guard against computer viruses. Make sure that anti-virus software is up-dated
regularly. Other software on your home
computer should also be updated because the manufacturer may release new security
protection patches.
Firewalls create a wall of protection between your home computer and the Internet by
stopping anyone who might harm
your computer or steal your personal information from it (bank and credit card
information, for example). Your home
computer may already contain firewall software. If so, check to make sure its being used.
Firewall hardware and software
is also available at most computer stores.
Never allow strangers to access files on your computer. File sharing can allow others to
infect your home computer with a
virus, and allow others to look at the information on your computer.
3. Do not open an email from someone you do not know and trust.
If you dont know and trust someone who has sent you an email, the best thing to do is
delete it quickly. Computer viruses
can spread to millions of people through email, and its never a good idea to read email
from strangers.
4. Use hard-to-guess passwords and change them regularly.
Do not write passwords down on small pieces of paper taped to your computer. Passwords
that are easy-to-guess are a
bad choice. In other words, if your name is Dan dont make your password Dan. Ask
yourself a question that only you
(or your parents) can answer, and use that answer for your password. Remember to change
your password every three
months.
5. Turn off the Internet when its not being used, and back up personal files regularly.
The Internet is a public place where you get information and also send information. T


Cyber Citizenship

Citizenship is an old value that is now being applied to a new medium, the
Internet. Citizenship has been around for a long time, but now it is taking
on a new meaning. Cyber citizenship is a term that refers to being
responsible when using the Internet. What you do on-line when no one is
looking tells a lot about your character and morals. You are the first
generation to be born into a world that already had computers. This
means that you need to learn the rights and consequences of living in a
digital world. You need to learn how to navigate through all the
information that is available on-line. Cyber Citizenship is kind of like the
manners and etiquette of the Web.

Using the Internet often allows some anonymity (people don't know who
you are). This can be freeing in the sense you may feel more comfortable
to share your thoughts and ideas online compared to in class when you are
definitely visible to everyone. Wikis, YouTube, blogs, etc. all allow the
average person to share their opinions which is great. To be a part of the
digital world and to participate in this sharing of information, certain
responsibilities are required
So how can you be a Good Cyber Citizen???

1. Remember that whatever you post anywhere online could be visible
to the public. Even if something is written on a "private" facebook
page, if a friend sees it, they can spread it to their friends.
2. If you wouldn't say something to a person's face, than you
shouldn't write it anywhere on-line. If you have a problem with
someone go to that person or an adult to help work it out.
3. Use the Internet to help you with your schoolwork, but give
credit to the sources you use and don't believe everything that is
online...it's not all true.
4. Use the Internet to learn more about anything your interested
in, use it to help you research what college you want to go to, and
use the Internet to stay connected with friends in your town or
throughout the world.
5. Make sure you verify information before you share it or use it in a
project. Some of the information on the web is not accurate and you
should search many sites to see if the facts are true. Also, you
shouldn't add to any information to the web that isn't true.
6. Only give certain information out. (See the Personal Safety
Website).
7. Don't answer any questions that make you uncomfortable.
8. Always make sure you've told an adult if you decide to meet
someone that you might on the Internet.
9. Always be aware of copyright laws and give credit where credit is
due.
10. Only use the computers that you're allowed to use. No Hacking...it's
a crime!


Why is being a Good Cyber Citizen important?

1. It keeps the Internet free from hurtful statements.
2. It creates a culture of more and more reliable information.
3. It allows people to be given credit for what they've created.
4. More criminals or bullies can be caught when kids are honest and
talk to adults.
5. Keeps your information private.



Here are three videos that talk more about Cyber Citizenship:



This is a video done by students about the benefits of the Internet. This is a great
video on how to quickly check if information found on the
A place where students can voice their opinions, create projects, Internet is
reliable.
communicate with others across the world, etc.





This video helps explains how the Internet is a privilege and carries responsibility. The
speaker parallels a park to the Internet discussing how we should take care of it, not
vandalize. The video stresses the importance of good cyber citizenship and having
proper Internet morals.


Are You A Good Cybercitizen?

Go to this
website: http://www.cybercrime.gov/rules/cybercitizen.ht
m and read the scenarios. Once you've read one of the
stories click the "GO!" button and different choices will
appear. Choose which you would do in each situation.


Rules in Cyberspace

Go to this
website: http://www.cybercrime.gov/rules/rules.htm and
read about the DOs and DON'Ts of using the Internet.
You might be surprised at what you find.


How to have proper Online Netiquette

Follow these simple rules to ensure that you make wise choices when
sending e-mails.
1. Make sure you have the correct address and you are sending the
information to the correct person. You want it to get to the right
place. Check the spelling of the address and make sure you know if
it's a family address or a personal address. Also, make sure the link
is correct and works if you are posting something on your website,
blog, social network site, etc.
2. Check information before sending or posting. You don't want to
contribute to more false statements/information/stories on the
web. Don't forward junk mail or chain letters to family or friends.
3. Proofread and spell check anything you send or post online. Re-read
what you wrote to make sure it is what you are wanting to say. Think
about how another person would interpret it. If they could take it
another way from what you intended, change it.
4. Keep your comments clean. Don't attack others online or
say anything that could be hurtful.
5. Keep your personal information and your friends private.
Don't forward e-mails or pass on information that was given to you
without permission.
6. Watch out for spam and other fraud e-mails. Never reply to them.
7. Think twice about what you're sending or posting. If you're going to
write something personal or private think twice. Messages can get
misdelivered, adults can monitor kids messages, and kids can send e-
mails out to others without permission.

Go to this
website: http://www.stopcyberbullying.org/teens/msparrysguidetonetique
tte.html to learn more about Online Netiquette. It gives a lot more detail
to the above list.


Other Resources:

Awesome PowerPoint that explains how YOU can make a difference
in this world and what it means to be a "good"
Cyber Citizen: http://www.slideshare.net/angelastockman/how-
good-digital-citizenship-can-help-kids-make-a-difference-
presentation
Wonderful video and website that explains how to detect lies and
stay true. This site also gives "Quick Tips" to help you
be CyberSmart and answers the 3 questions from the previous page
about Cyber
Citizenship: http://www.google.com/support/youtube/bin/answer.py
?hl=en&answer=126261
Great website with more Online Netiquette tips such as avoiding all
caps (it is code for shouting), sticking to the topic on forums,
remembering cultures around the world differ, and checking FAQ
sections before asking
questions. http://www.youthonline.ca/safety/netiquette.shtml