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MyHoopsLink is fully committed to complying with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act. We believe the Internet can be a great forum for learning. But we are also aware of the risks that may be associated with it. MyHoopsLink is especially sensitive to the issues surrounding the collection of personal information from children.
Below are MyHoopsLink's Online Safety Policy as well a few online safety tips for parents
and rules for kids.
MyHoopsLink collects the minimum amount of information necessary for our mailing list. Any person under the age of 14 must provide parental information. The information collection forms cannot be submitted without it.
MyHoopsLink will provide an authorization letter for download that needs to signed and returned by: fax (301-560-8884), email (authorized@myhoopslink.com) or mailed to My Hoops Link Inc. 12138 Central Avenue, Suite 509, Upper Marlboro, MD 20721.
If the authorization letter is not received within 25 days, a MyHoopsLink representative will contact all parents via email or telephone to request submission of the authorization letter. If the letter is not by the 30th day after registration then the account will be terminated.
The information collected is only used for the MyHoopsLink mailing list. It is collected solely through the information request forms located in the "Become a Member" section of the web site.
Although this information is not sold or shared with any third parties, there may be an option for a child to participate in a collaborators' bulletin board. Depending on a child's actions, this could entail some degree of public disclosure of his or her personal information. All users of the bulletin board will be instructed to take a screen name that is different from their own and never to share personal information online. Parents and/or legal guardians will have the option to restrict their children from participation in the bulletin board in the initial email sent to them at the time of consent.
All storing and tracking of information is handled by MyHoopsLink. MyHoopsLink does not sell, share or make this information available to anyone else, with the exception of public disclosure that can happen in a bulletin board setting, as noted above.
The MyHoopsLink web site does provide links to other web sites that have their own information collection practices and safety policies.
MyHoopsLink is taking precautions to ensure the safety and privacy of all children who come into contact with the MyHoopsLink web site. Parents or guardians who do not feel comfortable with the nature of this site or the security measures we have in place, always have the option to review the child's personal information, ask to have it deleted, and refuse to allow any further collection or use of the child's information. To make this request, please send an email to TBD@myhoopslink.com or a letter to MyHoopsLink Company Name, Street Address, City, State Zip. We also take steps to verify the identity of anyone requesting information about a child and ensure that the person is in fact the child's parent or guardian.
Children are an integral part of our online community, and MyHoopsLink is committed to work to make the online environment a safe and rewarding experience for children. Please read our three easy steps to become more "net wise"!
- Take advantage of filtering tools Like the rest of the world, the Internet may contain some material that is inappropriate for young audiences. Filtering software like CyberPatrol, NetNanny, and SurfWatch can help keep children from inappropriate online areas.
- Teach your children about online safety and privacy. Do your homework: GetNetWise is a website that includes easy-to-understand tools and information to help families have a rewarding and safe online experience. To learn more, go to GetNetWise.org.
- Review online safety tips with your kids. Teach them how to stay safe while having fun.
- Visit the Federal Trade Commission Kidz Privacy Web site to learn more about children's online privacy.
- Get to know your children's online world. Spend time with your children when they go online. The more involved you are with your children's online activities, the easier it will be to set limits that are appropriate. Filtering tools are a great way to tailor your child's online experience, but there is no substitute for parental involvement online.
- Visit the National School Board Foundation site for informative research and guidelines on Children's Use of the Internet.
MyHoopsLink encourages parents to read the rules for online safety below with their kids.
- Do not give out personal information such as your address, telephone number, parent's work address/telephone number, or the name and location of your school without your parents' permission.
- Tell your parents right away if you come across any information that makes you feel uncomfortable.
- Never agree to get together with someone you "meet" online without first checking with your parents. If your parents agree to the meeting, be sure that it is in a public place and bring your mother or father along.
- Do never send a person your picture or anything else without first checking with your parents.
- Do not respond to any messages that are mean or in any way make you feel uncomfortable. It is not your fault if you get a message like that. If you do, tell your parents right away so that they can contact the online service.
- Talk with your parents so that you can set up rules for going online. Decide together upon the time of the day that you can be online, the length of time you can be online and appropriate areas for you to visit. Do not access other areas or break these rules without their permission.
Reprinted courtesy of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children 1-800-843-5678.
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