May 2004 Volume 30 Issue 5  

It’s a big, wide world out there
Be safe when surfing the Internet

Although many adults are fearful about having their children access the Internet, it is a world full of information and a great place to explore. The World Wide Web is a valuable resource for everyone, including children. A large part of its value is a result of the contributions of information, art, and ideas from people all over the world.
Girl Scouting has always provided girls with a variety of opportunities–chances to travel, meet girls in new places, and learn something new. Computers connected together via the Internet allow all girls to have virtual travel experiences right from home. Every girl with a computer and access to the Internet can be a world explorer.
Girls surfing the Net from their homes, classrooms, or with their troops are accessing people worldwide, and adult supervision is important to keep them safe. Girl Scout leaders are encouraged to look in their community for knowledgeable adults who can teach girls Internet safety. 		Sharon Clarke, IT Director for Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council urges parents and leaders to discuss online safety with the girls so they know hot to conduct themselves safely on the Internet. “Monitor the Web sites that girls view. Choose chat rooms carefully, ensuring that they are actively monitored and safe. Discuss the kinds of information girls should not disclose to strangers such as their name, address, phone number, e-mail address, school, and locations of where they hang out,” she said.
Clarke cautions leaders, “When teaching girls about the Internet, adults should be aware of the sites they intend to visit and screen them before the troop meeting. You don’t want to be surprised in front of a group of girls.”
A wonderful site to lead girls to is the Just 4 Girls Web site produced by GSUSA, http://jfg.girlscouts.org. The site has an “Online Safety Pledge” for girls to sign on their first visit to the site. The pledge includes safety precautions such as setting 		up rules with parents before going online, how to respond to messages that are uncomfortable, not to give out personal information, and about never agreeing to meet an online buddy without checking with parents.
Other valuable safety rules are:
l Never send a picture of yourself to anyone online without your parent’s permission.
l Don’t open e-mail or respond to instant messages from people you don’t know.
l If you accidentally go to a Web site that is inappropriate, immediately leave that site and let a parent know what you saw and the address.
Leaders can refer to Chapter 9 in the GSSJC Resource Guide, Staying Safe booklets produced by GSUSA, and Safety-Wise for more Web site safety and guidelines. If girls have the tools and information they need, their Internet experiences will be more rewarding and they will be better prepared should an unfavorable situation arise.

Guidelines enhance safety and design for troop Web sites

Troops that want to design a Web site should realize pages on the Internet can be read by people all over the world. Think carefully about how you want to represent your troop when designing a Web page. Read GSSJC’s Resource Guide for advice on creating a Web site.

The first step is for girls to think about who will read their Web page and what will interest them about the things the troop does. Keep in mind Web sites should be attractive, informative, and kept current.

A Web site could attract more than just the intended users; it could also attract individuals who prey on children. When writing the text for the site, do not disclose any specific information that could jeopardize the safety of girls and adults.

  • Use only girls’ first names.
    l Never post girls’ addresses, phone numbers, or e-mail addresses.
  • Never use picture of individual girls who are identifies in any way without parental permission. Leaders should have a photo release for troop members and other people appearing in photos on the Web site.
  • Do not list addresses of group meeting places or dates and times of meetings, events, or trips. A troop leader who wishes to communicate about upcoming events with girls and their families should use e-mail instead of posting details on a Web site.
  • Do not allow automatic posting of messages to a Web site by using message boards or guest books that are not continually monitored. Make sure that the messaging system does not allow others to post their e-mail addresses.

Once the text is written, it is time to create or find graphics for your page. Follow the rules about use of Girl Scout symbols. (Visit www.gssjc.org and click on leader resources, clip art.) Be sure not to use graphics that are copyrighted by someone else without their permission.

Graphics take up lots of computer memory. Large files should be avoided. They take too long to load and distract from the flow of the message.

Select hyperlinks to other Web sites carefully. The content of potential links

should be in keeping with Girl Scout principles and activities. To avoid an implied Girl Scouts endorsement, do not create hyperlinks to Web sites that contain paid advertising or sell merchandise. Once you determine a hyperlink is tasteful and beneficial to Girl Scouts, e-mail the site’s Webmaster to request permission for the hyperlink. Links should be reviewed frequently to be sure they are functional and the material continues to be appropriate for girls of all ages.

All Web sites relating to Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council must be reported to the IT Department (713-292-0255 or sclarke@sjgs.org). Pages may be linked to the GSSJC Web site after review by the IT and Communications Department.
The troop site is now ready to be published. There are many ways to convert the text into a code that can be read by computers on the Internet. Free software and space is provided by some online service providers for their subscribers. Other services host Web pages for free or for a monthly fee. Check out what is available in your community.