Q: My kindergartener brought home a permission slip for me to sign allowing him Internet access at school. Is there a reason I should not sign it?
Today, almost every school-age child will use the Internet in school — even in kindergarten. Many districts require that children accessing the Internet have a signed parental permission slip on file before they participate in Internet activities.
While the Internet is generally well filtered, secured, and maintained in most school systems, districts often want to protect themselves against any possibility that a child may stumble onto or participate in something inappropriate, even though the chance of this happening is small. Hundreds of web sites are created every day, and districts must constantly update their security software.
Many times, the school will also ask for permission to post student photos, artwork, or essays on the school web site. Other programs may allow students to connect with e-mail pen pals from different countries. The permission slip may allow you to choose exactly which online activities you allow your child to participate in. Read the permission slip carefully, and talk to your school administration if you have any concerns.
Sharon Miller Cindrich is the author of E-Parenting: Keeping Up with your Tech-Savvy Kids.
