Sending and receiving e-mail is the number one use of the Internet. E-mail is a fast, efficient and cheap way for kids to stay in touch with friends and family and even establish student pen pals (e-pals) around the world.
Despite the benefits, anyone who uses e-mail is aware of the explosion of spam, or junk e-mail, which floods into inboxes each day, much of it offensive or obscene. It has been estimated that junk e-mail comprises over 40 percent of all e-mail traveling over the Internet. Kids, who may not think critically about the messages they receive, are particularly vulnerable to the ads, scams and disturbing messages that can show up in their accounts.
If your students are older, they probably have their own free accounts through sites such as Hotmail and Yahoo! Show them how to set up filters on these accounts to avoid unwanted messages and make sure that in the registration process they choose NOT to receive promotions from advertisers or to be included in an Internet directory. Encourage them to protect their e-mail address and never give it out over the Internet.
Classroom lessons and activities:
Internet 101
Web sites | E-mail | Instant messaging | Social Networking and Virtual Environments | File-sharing | Text messaging
