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Computer Crime and
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Cyberethics
We live in an exciting time in history. The widespread availability of computers and Internet connections provides unprecedented opportunities to communicate and learn. Unfortunately, although most people use the Internet as a powerful and beneficial tool for communication and education, some individuals exploit the power of the Internet for criminal or terrorist purposes.
We can minimize the harm that such individuals do by learning ourselves, and teaching young people, how to use the Internet safely and responsibly. The term "cyberethics" refers to a code of safe and responsible behavior for the Internet community. Practicing good cyberethics involves understanding the risks of harmful and illegal behavior online and learning how to protect ourselves, and other Internet users, from such behavior. It also involves teaching young people, who may not realize the potential for harm to themselves and others, how to use the Internet safely and responsibly.
The information and links below offer guidance and resources for parents and educators and for young people so that they can develop good cyberethics, and get the most out of the exciting new world of the Internet.
A. Cyberethics for Parents and EducatorsMartha Stansell-Gamm, head of the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, speaks on the need for parents to find out what their children are doing online and to tell their children what is and is not appropriate to do online. Martha Stansell-Gamm's article was published in the September 15, 2003 Newsweek edition at "My Turn: There's One More Talk You Need to Have." This article is available via the link below.
On October 23, 2002, President Bush announced his agenda to increase Federal efforts to promote Online Safety. He also urged parents of America to take time to teach children about staying safe online. More information is available via the links below.
- President Bush Increases Federal Efforts to Promote Online Safety (October 23, 2002)
- Increasing Online Safety for America's Children - White House Fact Sheet
(October 23, 2002)
On September 5, 2000, in conjunction with the new Cybercitizen partnership to teach children about responsible online behavior, Attorney General Janet Reno wrote a letter to parents asking them to instill computer ethics and responsibility in their children. A new web site - www.cybercitizenship.org - represents a major national effort to provide teachers, parents and their children with a new learning tool - responsible computer use. The Web site is initially focused on providing support for parents, and will expand to assist teachers and appeal to kids. Read the press release and the letter via these links:There are numerous sites where Internet Safety, Security and Responsibility issues are addressed. A list of some of these sites that provide comprehensive information, teaching tools and activities for children are accessible via the link below. The list is provided as an educational and research resource only. The material reached through the links does not represent the opinions or the positions of the Department of Justice.
We are interested in hearing from organizations and individuals that have programs related to cyberethics and cybercitizenship! If you have a program, please send us a letter or fax with a description of your organization and how we can learn more about your efforts. We can be reached at U.S. Department of Justice, 10th & Constitution Ave., NW, (Cyberethics, Computer Crime & Intellectual Property Section), John C. Keeney Building, Suite 600, Washington, D.C. 20530. Fax (202) 514-6113.
The Department of Justice Kidspage has many resources for kids, their parents and teachers. It includes a special page on “Cyberethics for Kids” and “A Lesson Plan for Teachers of Elementary and Middle School Children” which is accessible via the links below:
Go to . . . CCIPS home page || Justice Department home page
Updated page September 23, 2003 usdoj-crm/mis/krr