Safe Searching

Where did we go for information and images before Google opened up its doors in 1988? Today, the first place we tend to go when you want to find something is Google. Working with elementary students, I am concerned when I hear students talk about using Google, especially if they are looking for images. Some folks use Google’s strict filtering. Did you know that this does not work when you do multiple searches? How can you be 100% sure that images and links found on Google will not be illicit and that the links will provide authentic information? This is a concern for our older students as well!

Where else can you turn? Your school librarian’s web page is the first place to look. There are many links that students can use that do not involve Google and your librarian has many suggestions. Your librarian can also share a research bookmark with your students to take home so parents are aware of safe research links as well.

In addition to your librarian’s suggestions, older students might try:
GoGooligans
alltheweb
Squirrel Net

Younger students might try using links from this portaportal: hcpsresearch

Here are good sites to share with parents.
For older students:
Net Cetera
Tips on mobile phone safety, social networking, file sharing, cyberbullying, sexting, protecting the family computer, and parental controls

For younger students:
safesearchkids

May you have a great year of safe searching with your students!