Recently, the PBS program Frontline broadcast an interesting episode titled "Growing Up Online" which focuses on how the internet has radically transformed the childhood experience.
Click here for more information or to watch the documentary online.
The Media Center will also be purchasing a DVD copy for checkout as soon as it becomes available.
In addition to the resources below, access Online Safety Pledges (under categories on the navigation bar to the right).
NetSmartz
NetSmartz is an easy-to-navigate and extremely helpful site offers safety tips for parents and kids, safety pledges for children and teens, activity cards to prompt discussion at home, internet definitions, an exploration of online risks, statistics related to online victimization, related news articles, and videos of real-life cases (that can jumpstart family discussions).
Media Awareness Network
1. Safe Passage: Teaching Kids to Be Safe and Responsible Online
You can email the group with questions. The "websites" section addresses the following topics: Tracking Where Kids Have Been Online, Managing the Internet at Home, Family Online Agreements, and Online Predators.
2. Practical Tips for Protecting Online Privacy
3. Joe Cool or Joe Fool? is a CyberTour through websites, with questions to prompt discussions about Internet decision making. After taking the CyberTour, you can work through the CyberQuiz ("twenty questions about the Net and how kids use it") to test your Internet "smarts."
GetNetWise
GetNetWise is another site that offers practical advice to parents.