Q:
My kid is new to the web and I’m trying to figure out how to introduce him to it appropriately. Where do I start?
A:
Teaching Kids to Search the Web
Kids need to search the Internet, but helping them doing it safely takes some planning and training.
Kids can start by practicing these basic steps to find the information they are looking for quickly and safely.
Use the search box. Kids should make it a habit of searching for information or even web addresses by first typing the name into the search box. Students who directly type in a long web address in the URL address can make mistakes that lead them to defunct sites. They also have a higher chance of running into inappropriate content.
Avoid extra words. Searches should include the most important words for the topic kids are looking for. Most search engines will ignore words like a, an, the, and what, unless they are a part of a phrase.
Use quotes around phrases. If you’re looking for information that includes an exact phrase, include all words – even the extras – and put quotes around the phrase in the search box.
Check spelling. When searching for a specific name, brand, location or title, correct spelling will get students the best results.
Include details. Using generic words like “sports car” will not be as effective as “red convertible Mustang”. Descriptive words help students get better results and save time.
Use directories and kid-friendly browsers. Student-friendly directories like Fact Monster (http://www.factmonster.com/ ), Kids Click (http://www.kidsclick.org) or AOL Kids (http://kids.aol.com/homework-help) offer resources specifically designed to help students with homework and school projects. Kids will have more success when using a browser designed specifically for them like KidZui (http://www.kidzui.com). Kid-friendly browsers are often designed for specific age groups.
Google also offers a SafeSearch mode that filters objectionable content. You can learn more at Google’s Family Safety Center. http://www.google.com/familysafety/
Sign an Internet Contract. As kids begin to explore the Internet, this is a great is a great tool to help students, teachers and families talk about rules, boundaries, expectations and start communication. You can find an Internet contract at SafeKids.com.
Google offers some great lessons on the subject of searching designed for educators, however, families can benefit from them, too. Find Google Web Search Lessons at (http://www.google.com/educators/p_websearch.html).