Safer Internet Day is February 11!

Technology is EVERYWHERE!! With more and more activities available online, it's becoming ever more important to BE SAFE!!! Our children are spending more time online each and every day, both at school and at home. It's vital that they understand just what sharing online means. Once it's there, it is there forever. 

Safer Internet Day reminds us to always SHARE WITH CARE. Think before you post. ​Take a look at some of these scenarios, and have a family discussion about what children should do when faced with similar issues.
 
1. Rashad is dressed up for school spirit day. Monica takes a picture of him in front of the Mayfield Elementary School sign. Monica thinks about sending the photo to their new friend Carlos, who goes to another school. 
STOP AND THINK: Should Monica share this photo? Why or why not? 

2. Later, Rashad checks his messages. One text is a silly picture of a friend with an "embarrassed" emoji. Rashad thinks about sharing his friend's photo in a group text, since their other friends might think it's funny. 
STOP AND THINK: Should Rashad share this photo? Why or why not? 

3. After dinner, Rashad plays a game on his mom's tablet. He gets a pop-up message that says: YOU'VE WON A FREE SMARTPHONE! CLICK HERE TO GET IT! Rashad is then asked for his email and password. 
STOP AND THINK: Should Rashad share his email and password? Why or why not? 

Click here for some answers!

Because the Internet is so prevalent in today's society, we rarely think about reading all the terms of service before downloading an app (like using your personal information for personalized ads), or taking pictures of our new car (license plate, bumper stickers, etc.), first day of school pictures (school uniforms with school name!), or a family picture in front of the house (street number!); all of these little things we very innocently post on our social media, but we have to be conscious of what we share online because there are hackers and not nice people out there. Consistently check your security settings and think before you snap that picture. 

Make sure to also periodically change your passwords. Click HERE for a password activity that can really help you remember stricter passwords. 

Game Based Internet Safety
Kids love to play video games! Google has created an online platform that takes kids through Interland, an imaginary world where they learn how to be safe online, what to do when trouble arises, cyberbullying, and more! Best of all, it's FREE!! 

Visit https://beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com/en_us/ to get started today! 

Finally, download this short Family Guide and review some more scenarios and make a pledge to Be INTERNET AWESOME!