See also:
Bullying and Cyberbullying --
Identity Theft --
Security Software
- A Thin Line
Learn to "identify, respond to, and stop the spread of digital abuse in your life and amongst your peers... 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..." From MTV.
- Aunt Lee's Social Networking Quiz
Watch a short video and take a quiz to test your social networking smarts.
- BBC: 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.
- Common Craft - Videos in Plain English
Short entertaining video explanations discussing the basics of online safety.
- Common Sense Media
"Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology. ... As a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization, we provide trustworthy information and tools, as well as an independent forum, so that families can have a choice and a voice about the media they consume."
- 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.
- Cybersmart.gov.au
"Cybersmart provides activities, resources and practical advice to help young kids, kids, teens and parents safely enjoy the online world."
- EPIC - Electronic Privacy Information Center
"A public interest research center in Washington, D.C. It was established in 1994 to focus public attention on emerging civil liberties issues and to protect privacy, the First Amendment, and constitutional values." Website includes an Online Guide to Privacy Resources.
- Facebook Privacy
Keep your private information private and protect yourself from spammers and bots.
- 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."
- iKeepSafe
iKeepSafe "consults with organizations, industry leaders and international government leaders to develop and distribute K-12 educational materials within their own markets." A number of free materials are available on the website, including a selection of digital literacy and online safety Videos.
- Microsoft Safety & Security Center
Information on hardware and software security, password security, identify theft, and more.
- NetBasics
Flash animations illustrate internet dangers as a family uses the internet.
- NetSmartz
"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 lots of helpful downloads and guides, including the Net Cetera booklet for parents.
- Own Your Space
"A free downloadable version of ... 'Own Your Space – Keep Yourself and Your Stuff Safe Online.' Written for Internet savvy "tweens" and teens specifically, this book is also a useful resource for the adults they rely on."
- Phishy Videos
Three free online videos about the dangers of phishing scams. (Scams designed to steal credit card, bank card, or other personal information.)
- Privacy Choice.org
"PrivacyChoice offers tools to help you understand and make choices about your online privacy. You can see how online tracking works (TrackerScan), see your tracking profile, decide whether companies can collect information about what you do across websites (TrackerBlock), or opt-out of seeing targeted ads (PrivacyMark)."
- 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.
- Protecting Your Online Reputation
"Almost everything you do online is easy to track, especially when you’re using social media sites. This infographic shows you how to manage your 'e-reputation,' perhaps saving you some embarrassment, or even your career."
- 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.
- 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." With sections for various age groups, parents, and teachers.
- The Twelve Scams of Christmas
"Cybercriminals rub their hands with glee when they think of the holidays... before logging on from a PC, Mac, or mobile device, you should keep an eye out for the “12 Scams of Christmas,” the dozen most dangerous online scams this holiday season that McAfee announced today." (Dec. 2011)
- Wi-Fi Safety
- Your Online Footprint
What information can people find out about you online? What can you do to reduce the chances of future schools or employers seeing pages you might be embarrassed about? "Here are some tips for controlling what gets put on your permanent online record:..."
Computer Index Page
this page last updated December 21, 2011