Think CyberSafety

Wired Kids and Rewired Adults

Internet Savvy Kids:

Rely on the Internet to do school work
Use Internet as virtual textbook and reference library
Use Internet as virtual tutor and study shortcut
Use Internet for virtual study groups
Use Internet as a virtual guidance counselor
Use the Internet as a virtual locker, backpack, and notebook

Source: Pew Internet & American Life Project, August 14, 2002

Internet Safety

Internet Safety Tips for Parents

Keep the computer in a family room rather than the child’s bedroom.
Read about and familiarize yourself with on-line services and learn how to log on with your child.
Try to keep in mind the Internet is global and is not governed by any entity. This means that there are no limitations or checks on the information posted and accessible to Internet users
Establish a password for your computer to prevent children from being online without your knowledge.
Instruct your children never to give out personal information on the computer, such as their name, address, phone number, school name, or a photograph.
Instruct your children not to respond to any messages that are mean or make them feel uncomfortable and to notify you immediately.
Consult a computer dealer regarding the use of blocking software.
Make going online a family activity, spend time with your children while they’re online.
Keep an open dialogue with children surfing the internet, remember if they come to you with a problem, your first reaction should not be to take away the Internet Applaud there confidence in confiding and work together to find a solution.

Internet Safety Tips for Kids

I know to keep all personal information including Account IDs and passwords private--even from my best friend!
I never to give out personal information such as my name, home address, e-mail addresses, social security numbers, school name or school’s team name, or telephone number in a chat room or on bulletin boards.
I never send photos of myself, my family or my home to someone I’ve met online.
I only use a nickname or screen name when chatting with my online friends and posting messages.
I never open and always delete unknown e-mail attachments.
I never respond to unsolicited e-mail (SPAM).
I never write to someone who has made me feel uncomfortable or scared.
If I read anything on the Internet that makes me feel uncomfortable I tell my parents.
If a person writes something that is mean or makes me uncomfortable, I don't respond. Instead, I log off and tell my parents.
I know that nothing I write on the Web is completely private and sometimes there are lurkers online.
I am always careful and think about what I type and who I tell - even in e-mail.
I know that online “friends” may not be honest about who they really are.
I never make plans to meet in person with someone I met online.

WHEN IN DOUBT -- I always ask my parents for help -- and just LOG OFF if I'm not sure!

Internet Safety Resources

Keeping Kids Safe from AT&T

Project Online Safety - an ongoing effort to effectively educate parents and children about the importance of online safety and empower children to have safer experiences online.

California Technology Assistance Project (CTAP) - a statewide educational technology leadership initiative designed to provide assistance to schools and districts in integrating technology into teaching and learning

i-SAFE - a non-profit foundation dedicated to protecting the online experiences of youth everywhere.

NetSmartz.org - Educational resource from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

WiredSafety.org - a 501(c) (3) charity and the largest and oldest online safety, education, and help group in the world.

Adventures of Cyberbee Internet Safety

Internet Safety Podcast Page - hosted by Dr. Charles D. Knutson, Associate Professor in the Computer Science Department at Brigham Young University, in Provo, Utah.

The Beehive Internet Safety Page - a variety of helpful information and resources.

Internet Safety Game

Kaleidoscope

Digital Dialog

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is a term used to describe bullying using e-mail, instant messaging, chat rooms, pagers, cell phones, or other forms of technology to harass, threaten and/or intimidate.

A.K.A

digital bullying
e-bullying
electronic bullying
electronic harassment
Internet bullying
mobile bullying
online bullying
SMS bullying

Cyberbullying Resources

Technology and Bullying: Cyberbullying

Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use

Stop Cyberbullying

Parents: Cyber Bullying Led to Teen's Suicide

Social Networking

The First Social Networking site was Classmates.com

National School Boards' Assocation says that Social Networking technologies should be adapted for use in the classroom.

96% of students with access to the Internet build social networks

50% of teens say they talk to their peers about schoolwork online (IM, blog or social networking sites) or via text message

60% indicate that they discuss education-related topics such as college and career planning

Social Networking Sites

Young Children

Whyville - Whyville was launched in 1999 as a virtual city for engaging young people in constructive educational activities while promoting socially responsible behavior. The citizens of Whyville interact with each other while participating in activities that range from science and math to art, civics, and economics. Examples include science simulations in angular momentum, art activities like designing your own avatar and visiting the Getty Museum, writing for the town newspaper, playing multiplayer games such as checkers, and treasure hunts that take you around the globe.

Club Penguin - Despite Club Penguin’s popularity, its founders continue to focus on the three key areas: fun, safety and service. The Club Penguin world is updated every week and most of the company’s resources go into making Club Penguin safer than ever. Eighty per cent of Club Penguin’s staff is made up of safety personnel and moderators, many of whom are also parents.

Imbee.com - the only social network, collaboration, and publishing site designed specifically for young users.

Webkinz - are stuffed animals that come with a special code on their labels that allows access to the "Webkinz World" which is a site website to "adopt" a virtual version of the pet for virtual interaction.

Teens

MySpace - an online community that lets members meet their friends' friends and share photos, journals and interests with a growing network of mutual friends.

Teen Second Life - is a version of Second Life reserved for teenagers, running on the so-called Teen Grid.

Young Adults

Facebook - a social utility that connects people with friends and others who work, study and live around them.

Friendster - a leading global online social network focused on helping people stay in touch with friends and discover new people and things that are important to them.

Second Life - a 3-D virtual world entirely built and owned by its Residents.

Adults

Linked In - an online network of more than 13 million experienced professionals from around the world, representing 150 industries