In today's world, access to the Internet has and will continue to have a deep and unique effect on society and personal safety. Our students/your children are posting online messages with increasing frequency. Often, the messages our children post on blogs contain personal information, such as photographs, home addresses, and telephone numbers. Blogs are websites where entries may be posted regularly, similar to an online diary.

In order to address the serious implications of sharing personal contact information on the Internet, the district incorporates Internet safety into classroom instruction and character education programs in grades K-12. We are asking parents and guardians to join us in making your child's use of the Internet safe and responsible.

It is critical that you and your child realize that messages posted on personal web pages may become public information. Unfortunately, such messages may be viewed by pedophiles and potentially dangerous individuals. Once posted, your child no longer has control over how or when the information is used or the context in which it is used.

There are occasions when law enforcement agencies, current and future employers, and/or school officials, view personal messages posted on blogs. These messages may represent your child in a way that he or she does not want to be portrayed. These messages could be used for or against your child now and throughout his or her lifetime. Further information for parents about Internet safety is provided through the Office of the Somerset County Prosecutor's website, which is available in the resource links section of the district's site.

Please discuss the issues of Internet safety and responsible uses of the worldwide web with your child so that your child does not place his or her personal safety or future career in jeopardy. Please join us as we strive together to safeguard our children's safety at school, at home, and in the community.