On-Line Safety:

Planning and Supervision:

• A consultant can be handy for assistance with computer activities.

• Find Web sites that provide opportunities for group members.

• Have girls read and sign the "My Online Safety Pledge". Discuss the rules with them. Monitor the sites they are on. Choose chat rooms carefully.

• Discuss the kinds of information NOT to give to strangers: full name, address, phone number, e-mail address, photos.

Planning a Website:

• Can be accessed by anyone on Internet. Could attract "cyberstalkers" who prey on children. Must not provide specific information that will jeopardize the safety of girls and adults.

• Use only girl’s first names, no addresses, phone numbers or e-mail addresses. No pictures of girls without parental permission. A sample parental form is available on the GSUSA website at:

  Sample Safety Form

  
  No addresses of group meeting places, times, dates, events or trips.

• Closely monitor your guestbooks and do not allow any automatic message posting that will post any e-mail addresses.

• Select all links carefully and avoid those with paid advertising or selling merchandise. Look for links that will enhance Girl Scouting, are tasteful, show diversity, beneficial to families and keep with organizational purposes.

Group Communication:

• Should be done with e-mail about events rather than posting on Web sites.

• Cannot sell Girl Scout Cookies or other council-sponsored product sales on Web sites.

Copyrighted Materials:

• Web sites may not use copyrighted designs or symbols without permission.

• Trademarks owned by GSUSA include: Trefoil shape, Daisy GS pin, Brownie GS pin, both traditional and contemporary symbols, the words "Daisy GS", "Brownie GS", "Cadette GS", "Senior GS", "Girl Scouting", "Girl Scouts" and "GS Cookies", all of the GS Try-Its, badges and interest project awards: their names and symbols.

• The Trefoil may not be animated or used as wallpaper on a site.

• Must have permission from author or publisher for all music or videos including posting words to copyrighted songs.

• You may sign "nonexclusive license" on GSUSA Web site to use GS trademarks.

I will not give out personal information such as my address, telephone number, parents’ or guardian’s work address/telephone number, or the name and location of my school without the permission of my parents or guardian.




I will tell an adult right away if I come across any information that makes me feel uncomfortable.




I will never agree to get together with someone I "meet" online without first checking with my parents or guardian. If my parents or guardian agree to the meeting, I will arrange it in a public place and bring a parent or guardian along.




I will never send my picture or anything else without first checking with my parents or guardian.




I will not respond to any messages that are mean or that in any way make me feel uncomfortable. It is not my fault if I get a message like that. If I do, I will tell my parents or guardian right away so they can contact the online service.




I will talk with my parents or guardians so that we can set up rules for going online. We will decide on the time of day that I can be online, the length of time I can be online, and appropriate areas for me to visit. I will not access other areas or break these rules without their permission.

Girl Scout_______________________________________Date___________

Parent, Guardian, or Adult Partner___________________Date____________