Internet Safety
Information and resources for staying safe online
Almost all children today have access to the Internet through schools, libraries, community centers, or their home. And most 8 to 18-year-olds, 74 percent, have Internet access from their home computers according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Not only do more children have access to the Internet than ever before, but they are using it more, too. Many schools incorporate the Internet into their curricula and encourage online research for projects. But that’s not all kids are doing online. They also email, chat with friends through instant messenger and in chat rooms, play games, create websites and web blogs, and just surf the ‘net.
Even as kids grow savvier in their use of the Internet, it can still be a dangerous place. The good news is that most dangers can be avoided if children and their parents learn about smart Internet use.
Information about Internet Safety
Mind What You Do Online
General Internet safety guides for adults and kids.
Cybercrimes Prevention Tips
A bulletin that explores the various types of cybercrimes along with prevention strategies that can limit the chances of victimization.
Tips for Parents
Social Networking Safety
Tips for Parents
A list of tips that parents should follow to keep kids safe online
Parents' Guide to Social Networking Websites
Advice for parents on protecting kids from threats on social networks
Cybersafe Girls
Advice for parents on keeping girls safe online
Advice for Kids on McGruff.org
See McGruff's advice for kids on staying safe online
Activities and Lesson Plans for Grades 4-5
These activities were created by teachers and reviewed by teachers, principals, law enforcement officers, and community members to ensure their quality and effectiveness.
Evolving With Technology
A comprehensive introduction to cybercrime with links to resources on the web
Products and Publications on Internet Safety
McGruff Safeguard
Web monitoring software that alerts parents to potentially dangerous online content
Preventing Fraud, Abuse, and Other Crime on the Internet
This report explains why the Internet is so attractive to criminals and con artists and how to protect yourself
Downloadable Resources on Internet Safety
Size | Description | Title |
---|---|---|
1.2 MB | Informative brochure about staying safe online | Safe Surfing for Teens |
88.3 kB | A reproducible handout with information for parents on the dangerous practice of sexting. | Sexting: How Parents Can Keep Their Kids Safe |
90.5 kB | A reproducible handout with information for teens on the dangerous practice of sexting. | Sexting: How Teens Can Stay Safe |
88.9 kB | A reproducible brochure from the 2009-2010 Crime Prevention Month Kit | Shopping Online - Be Wary of Holiday Crime |
77.0 kB | A one-page PDF with tips about protecting yourself while shopping online | Shopping Safely Online |
590.0 kB | This presentation informs communities of the emerging trend of social networking and provides safety tips to help children and youth socialize safely online. | Smart and Safe in Cyberspace: Social Networking 101 |
1.0 MB | Lead Scruff to McGruff.org without encountering any dangerous messages. | Surfing Safely Maze |
672.4 kB | A colorful McGruff poster for kids about internet safety | Take a Bite Out of Crime Online Poster |