There are many resources out there for parents and their kids surrounding internet safety. An organization called NetSmartz (www.netsmartz.org) is sponsored by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
This website offers a ton of resources not just for parents and their kids but also for educators and law enforcement. The site offers many resources including presentations that cover:
- Blogging
- Cell Phones
- Cyber-bullying
- Gaming
- Predators
- Revealing Too Much
- Social Networking
In one of the many resources they have available for download they offer these 9 simple tips for tweens:
- Don’t Be Cruel – just because you don’t like the new kid doesn’t mean you should say mean things about him/her.
- Ignore. Block. Tell – Ignore any mean messages you get. Block that individual and tell a trusted adult immediately.
- Speak Up – If your friends are bullying and you don’t say anything, you are just as guilty.
- Avoid TMI (Too Much Information) – that silly screen name may not seem funny to your grandma, they write, and sharing embarrassing or really personal things is not cool.
- Don’t Be “That Kid” – you know, the one who posts a video about how to cheat on a test – Not cool.
- Protect Your Space – don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know. Check them out and find out why they want to connect with you.
- Recognize the Difference between Cute and Creepy – an older guy who wants to hang out with young people seems a little strange, right? Ask yourself why.
- Don’t Just Sit There – if someone you don’t know asks to meet you in person, report them to your parents, the police or on-line at www.cybertipline.com.
- Talk to Your Parents or Guardians; It’s Ok – Parents freak out when you don’t tell them what you are up to. Keep them in the loop because they can help you and it keeps them from freaking out.
Check out these tips sheets and much more at www.netsmartz.org.