Cyberkids at the library

Instead of playing with conventional toys during summer break, children at the Internet Camp are learning how to buy stocks on-line.

Each of them now has his and her own e-mail address that enables them to communicate with other kids from different parts of the world.

They are learning the solar system without leafing through pages of books in the library. All they do is press a key that would give them a tour of the nine planets.

“They’re having fun and they’re learning fast,” said Camp Internet instructor Greg Folta.

Camp Internet, now on its fourth year, is an annual project being undertaken jointly by Joeten-Kiyu Public Library and GTE-Pacifica.

This years’ program began last June 14 and will end on July 9. Sessions are conducted twice a day; four days a week. The summer program has attracted children between nine and 14 years old.

“After the Internet Camp, they can go back to school and tell their friends what they’ve learned.,” Folta said.

To ensure the children’s “on-line safety”, participants are made to sign a pledge in which they agree to abide by the rules and regulations at Camp Internet.

According to Camp policy, children are required to tell their parents or teacher if they come across any information that makes them “feel uncomfortable.” They are prohibited from responding to messages that are “mean.” There are also particular web sites that they are not allowed to visit.

“We always go over the rules before we log in. We tell them to be careful about what they are doing,” Folta said.

Those found violating the rules face expulsion from the Camp, Folta said.

Folta believes that adult guidance is the best way to prevent children from getting access to web sites that are deemed inappropriate for them.

A bill in the US Congress proposes to require public schools and libraries in the states and territories to install block software in their computers that would filter materials that may be unfit for minors to view.

This proposal poses a dilemma for Folta, an Internet enthusiast who deals with children.

“It should be the parents’ accountability to know what they’re kids are doing. It should be a family decision. It’s difficult for the government to decide what the parents want and don’t want their children to see. Every family is different,” Folta said.