Train the Trainer: The NetSmartz Training Program
The NetSmartz Workshop was developed by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) to teach children and teens how to be safer when using the Internet. The NetSmartzWorkshop provides children with original, animated characters and age-appropriate, interactive activities that use the latest 3-D and web technologies to entertain while they educate. Boys & Girls Clubs leaders and children played vital roles in the appearance of the program content and characters, ensuring that the NetSmartz messages were on target and characters appealed to the respective age groups. The Internet safety program was released to all Clubs nationwide in August 2002. The program is currently being implemented in public school systems in several states as well as Europe. Representatives of law enforcement and Boys &Girls Clubs of America are promoting Internet safety awareness by making NetSmartz presentations to children, teens, and parents and communities.
The purpose of NetSmartz is to increase the safety awareness of children to prevent victimization and increase self-confidence whenever they go online. NetSmartz teaches three important rules for online safety.
- I will tell an adult I trust if anything makes me feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused.
- I will ask my parents or guardian before sharing my personal information.
- I won't meet in person with anyone I have first "met" online.
Objectives of NetSmartz Training Program
- Understand the need to teach Internet safety
- Become familiar with the NetSmartz characters, web site, and resources
- Be able to download NetSmartz onto a computer
- Be able to use the NetSmartz on- and offline activities and understand how to incorporate them into group settings
Upcoming Trainings
There are no events scheduled at this time.
