My son seems to have an unsatiated desire to visit all websites related to cereal box promotions, TV ads, and game sites recommended by his friends. The number of his daily requests for permission to go to the next best greatest kids website can really be daunting. However, I’m thankful that he is still in the “seeking parental permission” mode and that I have software that alerts me whenever he tries to visit a site that has not be pre-approved.
I’ve found some additional valuable resources that will help all of us take preemptive measures to keep our loved ones safe from Internet thieves, con artists and predators. Our Cumberland County public librarians have made these resources easy to find at www.cumberland.lib.nc.us. Just click “Online Safety and Security” in the “Highlights” section.
First, you’ll be able to view a short video urging everyone to “Stop. Think. Click,” a campaign by www.onguardonline.gov. This site includes games for children, which convey the importance of thinking before acting in the cyber world. Summing it up pretty well, they state: “We need to protect our children from inappropriate conduct, inappropriate contact and inappropriate content.”
Other resources include “wired SAFETY” with help to victims of cyber abuse ranging from online fraud, cyber stalking and cyber bullying, to hacking and malicious code attacks. “Get NetWise,” has information to help stop spam e-mails, protect your computer from hackers and safeguard your personal information.
Cyberbully411 is an effort to provide answers for youth who have questions about or have been targeted by online harassment. Their “Get Game Smart” program will help families enjoy video games and online media in ways that are safer, healthier and more balanced.
NetSmartz Workshop is an interactive, educational safety resource from the National Center for Missing Exploited Children and Boys Girls Clubs of America for children ages five to 17, parents, guardians, educators and law enforcement that uses age-appropriate, 3-D activities to teach children how to stay safer on the Internet.
On NetSmartz for teens, you can watch teens share their own stories about issues affecting them such as cyber bullying, online enticement, and giving out too much personal information. In one video, you learn about a teen who rated girls from school on a website, thinking it was a private joke between him and his friends. He expressed the affect it had on him when he realized that his friends shared the website publicly and had, unbeknownst to him, included his own sister. Along with the videos are lesson plans and lists of questions to facilitate discussion between adults and teens.
The library’s website also offers book recommendations such as “Teens and Computers: What’s a parent to do?” by Donna S. Bast. Bast provides a basic guide to social networking, instant messaging, e-mail, computer set-up and more.
I encourage you to take the time to visit these valuable resources. Share them with your friends, teachers, students and anyone who can spread the message that online safety is just as serious as safety anywhere else.
For more information about other library services or programs, visit www.cumberland.lib.nc.us, call 483-7727 or find us on Facebook.
Article source: http://www.fayobserver.com/articles/2011/01/08/1060632?sac=Local
Category: Cyber Security Alert