Online Safety
Teaching students (and parents) about online safety is as important as the "stranger danger" discussions we all had as children!
OnGuardOnline & NetSmartz are two awesome resources to get the conversation started. Both sites have parent/teacher resources as well as kid-friendly pages. As informed adults we are better able to support our students as they navigate the web. Technology is constantly changing so it is important to stay up to date on the latest safety and security tips. These sites also cover a wide scope of tech devices including video games and social media. It's easy to take for granted that when we are feeling safe at home or school we have the entire world in our pockets, on our computers, or TV screens. Something that seems like its "made for kids", like apps and games, might be the very place where our kids are most at risk. Having the conversation about online security early and often creates a trusting relationship where kids and students can come forward when something seems risky.
In addition to the resources above I love the Digital Passport program from Common Sense Media. Students play games and complete activities to earn badges in categories such as communication and privacy. When they have earned all of the badges they can earn their Digital Passport!
OnGuardOnline & NetSmartz are two awesome resources to get the conversation started. Both sites have parent/teacher resources as well as kid-friendly pages. As informed adults we are better able to support our students as they navigate the web. Technology is constantly changing so it is important to stay up to date on the latest safety and security tips. These sites also cover a wide scope of tech devices including video games and social media. It's easy to take for granted that when we are feeling safe at home or school we have the entire world in our pockets, on our computers, or TV screens. Something that seems like its "made for kids", like apps and games, might be the very place where our kids are most at risk. Having the conversation about online security early and often creates a trusting relationship where kids and students can come forward when something seems risky.
In addition to the resources above I love the Digital Passport program from Common Sense Media. Students play games and complete activities to earn badges in categories such as communication and privacy. When they have earned all of the badges they can earn their Digital Passport!
Hi Carly, your point about us taking for granted our safety in the comfort our homes/school while accessing the global community is spot on - thus the importance of "informed adults supporting our students as they navigate the web". Kids are the most vulnerable as you say and Common Sense Media is a great resource to help us/students sift through the apps/games that are appropriate or not (along with many other resources). I am familiar with the Digital Passport Program from CSM and happy to hear you are using this with students. :)
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