Internet safety awareness / harassment via the Internet

According to the data, the Internet (not the same like today) has been used since the early 60s. At that time, the United States Defence Department developed an experimental network of computers constructed in such way that as a network to be able to face the attacks such as bomb attacks. It was managed to build a network of computers which will continue its function to enable communication even if some of the computers where deactivated or turned out of order.

Later, in 1969, an agency under the directives of the Defence Department of U.S. known as ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network) worked in a computer network. Initially the communication through this network was tested with four computers that were located in a certain distance from each other (in some laboratories of universities). This project was further developed by ARPANET where several innovations took place such as:

• E- mail or electronic mail (the possibility to exchange short messages)
• Telnet or control of another computer from the distance
• FTP or sending information (files) with the content or bigger amount.

In the mid- 80's the computers were popularized a lot, seeing opportunities that offered this kind of network, different organizations seeking to be connected with it as if the computers were connected to each other and possibility to share resources that would bring benefits to everyone.

The year 1991 was a big year for the Internet, that year the "World Wide Web" was activated or as it is known by the acronym WWW. At this time the Internet was still dominated by scientists and academics, but had started to attract interest of the general public too. With the release in the function of the first browser (Mosaic Netscape Web 1993 and 1994) WWW made a big boom. More and more communities accessed the network.

Today, the Internet is one of the most important parts of our everyday life. There are many things that can be done using the Internet and therefore is very important. We can say that with the internet advancement we are progressing in every field of life, not only make our tasks easier, but also saves us a lot of time. Today the Internet is used for different purposes, depending on the needs and requirements.

The objective of this activity is to raise awareness amongst the students about the right and the safe way of using internet. In so doing, they will be able to better understand and have a better picture about the use of internet, but also about the consequences it brings if misused.

Through discussions on this topic, the students should be able to:

• Explain the purpose of the use of internet
• Identify illegal actions during the use of internet
• Explain how and to what degree can the internet be used by children
• Analyze the good and the bad sides of the use of internet
• Explain the risks and consequences from misuse and unsafe use of the internet;
• Identify advisory persons and institutions in case of facing an internet risk.