Online Safety
See also:
Bullying and Cyberbullying
- Aunt Lee's Social Networking Quiz
Watch a short video and take a quiz to test your social networking smarts.
- Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use
"Effective strategies to assist young people in gaining the knowledge, skills, motivation, and self-control to use the Internet and other information technologies in a safe and responsible manner."
- CNN: Living with Technology
"Get a little peace of mind with CNET's guide to the best ways to secure yourself and your data."
- Connect Safely
"ConnectSafely is for parents, teens, educators, advocates - everyone engaged in and interested in the impact of the social Web. ... ConnectSafely also has all kinds of social-media safety tips for teens and parents, the latest youth-tech news, and many other resources."
- Crimes of Persuasion: Schemes, Scams, Frauds
Describes various scams and frauds, including telemarketing and email scams, how not to get taken in by them, and what to do if you were.
- Cyber-Safe Kids, Cyber-Savvy Teens
Information for kids, parents, and educators about online dangers and online safety.
- CyberSafety
"How safe is the Internet and all of these sites that ask you for information? Are you safe? Is your credit safe? These and other questions will be addressed in this online forum."
- CyberSmart!
Lessons for kids, parents, students, and teachers on cybersmarts and cybersafety.
- CyberSmartKids
"This site will help you and your family to find out how to be cybersmart and use the internet safely. It's a young person's guide to smart 'net surfing, chatting and emailing."
- Digital Dialog
"The goal of this social network is to provide ... resources, ideas and links related to encouraging regular communication between younger and older learners about safe, appropriate, and fun uses of digital technologies."
- Ethics in Computing
Links about various computer use and ethics issues, from free speech to intellectual property to commerce to privacy, among others.
- Facebook Privacy
- Filters
- GetNetWise
"The GetNetWise coalition wants Internet users to be only 'one click away' from the resources they need to make informed decisions about their and their family's use of the Internet."
- iSafe.org
"i-SAFE incorporates classroom curriculum with dynamic community outreach to empower students, teachers, parents, law enforcement, and concerned adults to make the Internet a safer place."
- Looks Too Good to be True
"Don't fall victim to these Internet scam artists. Education, good judgment, and a healthy dose of skepticism are the best defenses against becoming a victim. Remember, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is!"
- Malware—What It Is and How to Avoid It
Summer 2008 article from the online magazine TechLearning.
- Microsoft Online Safety
Information on hardware and software security, password security, identify theft, and more.
- MTV's A Thin Line
"MTV's A Thin Line campaign was developed to empower you to identify, respond to, and stop the spread of digital abuse in your life and amongst your peers. The campaign is built on the understanding that there's a 'thin line' between what may begin as a harmless joke and something that could end up having a serious impact on you or someone else. ..."
- NetBasics
Flash animations illustrate internet dangers as a family uses the internet.
- NetFamilyNews
"A public service for parents, educators, and everyone interested in young people's use of technology... NetFamilyNews is based on the premise that informed, engaged parenting is essential to kids' constructive use of technology.
- NetSmartz.org
"The NetSmartz Workshop is an interactive, educational safety resource ... for children aged 5 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.
- OnGuard Online.gov
"OnGuard Online provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer and protect your personal information." Includes a section for adults and a downloadable pamphlet about talking with kids about online safety.
- Phishing Scams in Plain English
A short informative video about scams which try to get you to reveal your bank, credit card, or other personal information.
- Phishy Videos
Three free online videos about the dangers of phishing scams.
- Privacy Revolution
"We are thrilled to unveil a short film that introduces some of today's most interesting and complex privacy issues. "
- Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
This organization has among its goals to "raise consumers' awareness of how technology affects personal privacy." They have guides on a variety of privacy-related topics including online privacy, identity theft, and other issues.
- SafeTeens.com
"A place for teens and parents to learn how to use the Internet safely. No preaching, just good advice."
- ScamBusters.org
"Lots of great resources on how to avoid the most popular scams,identity theft threats, viruses and urban legends making the rounds."
- Security & Privacy - Made Simpler
Information from the Better Business Bureau especially for employees and employers, though much of it can apply to the home user as well.
- Smokescreen
"We all use Facebook, MySpace, Bebo and MSN to keep up with our mates - and we've all heard the stories about parties on Facebook being mobbed, or people getting stalked on MSN. The question is, what would you do if it happened to you?" Thirteen progressive scenarios form the core of this learning game.
- SOLOS: Safe Online Outreach Society
"Doing research, creating materials and delivering presentations and workshops that will train youth, professionals and parents on how to recognize and respond to online sexual exploitation and assist children and youth affected by this issue."
- Stay Safe Online
Information for consumers, parents and children, educators, and others about online safety. Includes a self-assessment quiz.
- TextEd.ca
"Your online source for everything textual. Get the 411 on texting and relationships, including healthy vs. unhealthy relationships, how to deal with harassment, and how to cope with stress."
- ThinkUKnow
"Come in to find the latest information on the sites you like to visit, mobiles and new technology. Find out what’s good, what’s not and what you can do about it.&qot; With sections for various age groups, parents, and teachers.
- WebWise
This "BBC's guide to using the internet" is a good place to learn about email, searching, e-business, security, basics of web design, and more.
- Surf Zombie Quiz
Companion to the About.com teen advice article Surf Zombie or Cyber Smart? about online savvy.
Computer Index Page
this page last updated June 8, 2010