Digital Safety

Internet Safety

Bullies, crooks and predators existed in the real world long before the internet came along. Just as we teach children not to talk to strangers, we have to teach them to move safely in the online world. The information in these sites can help you teach children how to protect themselves and their privacy.

PointSmart.ClickSafe.
Today’s kids know how to use the technology, but do they understand internet safety concerns, cyber ethical dilemmas and how to think critically about the media and technology they use? PointSmart.ClickSafe., an initiative from the cable industry, helps you teach them how to be smart, safe and savvy in the digital world.

What You Need to Know About Social Networking and More
Social networking is all the rage but what is it? Why do kids love it? And should parents be concerned?

The Internet Keep Safe Coalition (i-KeepSafe) and MySpace have teamed up to take the mystery out of social networking and Web 2.0. In a series of short videos, you’ll learn what these terms mean, why they’re so appealing to kids, and how to keep your children safe as they take advantage of these engaging tools.

Parenting Moves Online: Parents’ Internet Actions and Attitudes, 2007, a Cable in the Classroom/Common Sense Media poll conducted by Harris Interactive® shows that the majority of parents in the United States are taking action to ensure their children are safe and responsible while using the Internet.

Parenting the MySpace Generation
A 2006 poll commissioned by Cable in the Classroom reports that 9 out of 10 parents think they should have a lot of responsibility for ensuring kids' internet safety.

Common Sense Media
Dedicated to improving media and entertainment choices for kids and families, Common Sense Media provides specific content information and age recommendations for all the media kids consume - movies, TV, music, videogames, Web sites and books.You can search for ratings by media type and kid’s age. The site also offers tips and tools about creating a family media diet, and research and news about the media’s impact on children.

Cyberbullying
Created by Dr. Sameer Hinduja,  an Assistant Professor in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice  at Florida Atlantic University, and Dr. Justin W. Patchin, an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice in the Department of Political Science at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, this site provides cyberbullying research, stories, cases, downloads, fact sheets, tips and strategies, news headlines, a blog, and a number of other helpful resources.

Cybercrime
The US Department of Justice's Cybercrime site presents tips for online safety and privacy.

FBI's Parents Guide to Internet Safety
An overview of potential online risks and steps you can take to protect your children. The guide includes signs that a child might be at risk online and what you should do if you suspect your child is communicating with a sexual predator online.

GetNetWise
The Internet Education Foundation’s GetNetWise helps families find the resources they need to make informed decisions about using the Internet. The site includes a safety guide, recommended sites for kids, and information about Internet filters. Topics include how to:

• Keep children safe online
• Stop unwanted e-mail and spam
• Protect your computer from hackers and viruses
• Keep your personal info private.

Internet Keep Safe Coalition (iKeepSafe)
The Internet Keep Safe Coalition teaches basic rules of Internet safety to children and adults through an animated character, Faux Paws the techno cat, in online stories and in books. Teacher materials, including worksheets and lesson ideas are available online. Parent materials include a video series on safety and four lessons designed for use in a family setting:

• Meet Faux Paw the Techno Cat
• What to do When Something Online Worries You
• Bullying and the Myth of Internet Anonymity
• Our Family’s Safety Contract

i-SAFE
i-SAFE America's mission is to educate and empower youth to safely and responsibly take control of their Internet experience. i-SAFE offers dynamic, standards-based K-12 curriculum free of charge to educate students on how to avoid dangerous or unlawful behavior. The organization also offers community outreach programs to extend Internet safety beyond the classroom. You can sign up for training classes and programs on Internet safety through iSafe’s VirtualTraining Academy.

Kidz Privacy
Created by the Federal Trade Commission, Kidz Privacy is based on the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act and presents crucial information about protecting children’s online privacy. The site includes links to numerous government resources.

National Cyber Security Alliance provides free and non-technical cyber security and safety resources, including a “How Safe Are You” quiz and the top eight cyber security practices.

NetSmartz
Initiative from National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and Boys & Girls Club teaches children how to stay safer online through interactive, educational games, and activities. The site offers videos on a variety of topics, along with activity cards and related news articles. Videos include:

• Cyberbullying (a three-part series) about victims, perpetrators and the loss of friendships
• Julie’s Journey, about a girl who left home for three weeks with a convicted murderer she met online
• Angela’s Experience - what to do if someone is harassing you online>

OnGuard Online
OnGuard Online offers practical tips and information from the federal government to help consumers learn about and avoid becoming victims of Internet scams. Topics include ways to minimize problems when making online purchases, avoiding phishing scams (with a fun Flash animation on how to tell if you’re being phished), and defending cell phones and PDA’s against attack.