[LM_NET] Needs assessment - computer security presentations

[Nancy Willard <nwillard@CSRIU.ORG>]

Hi to my favorite librarians. This is a needs assessment.

The National Computer Security Alliance, http://www.staysafeonline.org/ has
a focus that is primarily directed towards issues of technical security.
This includes things like computer security software, scams and the like.

But also could include issues like how parents can use family safety
features for younger children - white listing, black listing, controlled
communications, history retention, time management. And issues like use of
protective features on sites like MySpace and Facebook. This could also
include issues of the protection features that are available for cell phones
and gaming devices.

We had a discussion today about the degree to which effective material is
available that can be easily used in schools. I suggested that the following
might be useful:

A short video, with a handout that could be used for parents of elementary
students (like in a PTA meeting or available at school or could be on the
web site) that walks parents through the common family safety features that
they can use to set up an electronically fenced play yard for their
elementary age children. This would be primarily on the use of the
technologies, with some additional brief information on parenting
strategies. And some really basic tips for children. "If something yucky
comes on the screen, turn it off and tell." This is not Internet safety -
the focus is on the technical security.

A short video for middle school parents that addresses the protection
features on sites like MySpace and Facebook. How they are implemented and
how parents can make sure their children have implemented the features. Also
how the family safety feature that disallows teens from erasing the history
file might be helpful, but the significant limitations of effectiveness of
use of any kind of blocking technologies with this age group. Also key
computer security tips for tweens/early teens. Again, not all of the safety,
cyberbullying, etc stuff - the technical security.

Curriculum materials for high school students that basically take them
through all of the steps to make sure they are doing everything right in
installing computer security, being careful about downloads, protection
features, scams. The idea is that at this age, the focus shifts from
parental responsibility to more of a young almost adult responsibility.

So three questions, please respond privately:

Do you think there is a need for resources like this?

Do you know of any resources that are already available to address these
issues?

What format for such resources would be most helpful?

Thanks in advance.

Nancy


-- 
Nancy Willard, M.S., J.D.
Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use
http://csriu.org
http://cyberbully.org
http://cyber-safe-kids.com
http://csriu.wordpress.com
nwillard@csriu.org

Cyberbullying and Cyberthreats: Responding to the Challenge of Online Social
Aggression, Threats, and Distress (Research Press)

Cyber-Safe Kids, Cyber-Savvy Teens: Helping Young People Learn to Use the
Internet Safely and Responsibly (Jossey-Bass)

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
  You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings
  by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book.
To change your LM_NET status, you send a message to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu
In the message write EITHER:
1) SIGNOFF LM_NET
2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL
3) SET LM_NET MAIL
4) SET LM_NET DIGEST

 * LM_NET Help & Information: http://lmnet.wordpress.com/
 * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
 * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://lm-net.info/join.html
 * LM_NET Supporters: http://lmnet.wordpress.com/category/links/el-announce/

--------------------------------------------------------------------