	Safer Use of Services on the Internet www.besafeonline.org

Introduction to SUSI

The Safer Use of Services on the Internet (SUSI) project was originally developed jointly by the Scottish Parent Teacher Council (SPTC), Learning and Teaching Scotland and the European Commission to offer some general points about how to be online safely. The aim of this pack is to inform parents of the fantastic opportunities that the Internet brings while at the same time admitting that there are some aspects which need to be treated with caution.

The Internet offers great educational experiences, resources for adults and children as well as fun things to do. Young people are often enthusiastic users, particularly of interactive services like Email, Chat and Instant Messaging. Games and music websites are also very popular. However, like most exciting activities, there are some risks involved. Learning how to use the Internet is like acquiring any social skill that involves meeting and dealing with people in new ways. It takes some getting used to, but it's not hard.

You could use the advice contained in this pack to start a discussion with your children or the young people close to you about the Internet. You could also find out what your school is doing; for example, does the school have an “Acceptable Use Policy” that pupils and parents must sign before getting Internet access at school? Are children and teachers being taught how to use the Internet and given guidance on how to deal with problems? What else is the school doing to protect children online and how could you assist?

How to use the information pack

Each sheet in the pack is designed as an introduction to a different aspect of using the Internet. It informs you about what is good but also highlights some of the potential difficulties. The different subjects covered include the following: -

It is the intention to make it easier for parents and carers to use and understand the Internet and for them to be able to advise their child when for example they are emailing friends, buying concert tickets online or joining chat rooms.

SPTC can be contacted at: 53 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2HT. Telephone: 0131 226 1917
Email: sptc@sptc.info Website: www.sptc.info

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