Internet Safety Policy for Minors
A. To comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act and restrict
access to online content that may be considered harmful to minors or
offensive to adults, the DFL employs technology protection measures
(filters) on all computers with internet access. Users must be
cautioned that filters are not foolproof and due to technological
limitations cannot obstruct access to all potentially harmful or offensive
content. In addition, filters may block access to some legitimate or
constitutionally protected material found on the internet. By law,
individuals who have attained the age of 17 have the right to unfiltered
internet access.
B. Parents/guardians have the sole right and responsibility to decide what is appropriate for their child. The DFL does not act in loco parentis (i.e., in the place or role of the parent). Parents/guardians are responsible for the supervision of their child’s Internet activity. Children who use the internet unsupervised may be exposed to inappropriate or disturbing information and images. In the Deposit Free Library, children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in order to use the public computers.
C. To address the issue of the safety and security of minors (individuals who have not attained the age of 17) when using electronic mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications, the Deposit Free Library recommends the following safety guidelines. Minors should:
1. Always ask their parents’ permission before using their full name, address, telephone number, or school name anywhere on the internet.
2. Always tell their parents or another adult they trust if they see something online that is frightening or that they do not understand.
3. Never respond to messages that make them feel uncomfortable or uneasy.
4. Never give out a credit card number or password online without parental approval.
5. Never arrange to meet in person someone they have met online unless they discuss it with their parents and an adult accompanies them.
