As with other materials in the Library’s collection, it is Marshall District Library’s policy that parents or legal guardians are responsible for deciding which library resources are appropriate for their children. MDL encourages parents and guardians to discuss Internet use, including email and social networking websites, with their children and to monitor their use of this educational tool.
Computer Use at the Library
Filtered Computer Terminals
A filtered terminal means the computer has a program installed that is designed to restrict minors from receiving obscene material or sexually explicit material that is harmful to others. All Youth Area computers are filtered workstations.
Unfiltered Computer Terminals
Patrons under the age of 18 wishing to have access to unfiltered Internet workstations must have a parent or guardian accompany them and be sitting at the computer terminal with them.
Internet Safety Resources
The following resources will help you and your children stay safe while exploring all the Internet has to offer:
Kids Health – Internet Safety
An article from April 2018 discussing Internet safety laws, online protection tools, how to stay involved in kids’ online activities, and warning signs that a child may have been contacted by an online predator.
Neighborhood Safety for Kids
Kids should be able to go outside and enjoy their neighborhoods – but not without knowing how to stay safe.
NetSmartz Workshop
NetSmartz Workshop is an interactive, educational program of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® (NCMEC) that provides age-appropriate resources to help teach children how to be safer on- and offline. The program is designed for children ages 5-17, parents and guardians, educators, and law enforcement. With resources such as videos, games, activity cards, and presentations, NetSmartz entertains while it educates.