Inside NetSmartz Workshop
Educate. Engage. Empower: Cyberbullying Takes No Summer Break
There is no such thing as a summer break when it comes to cyberbullying. Fortunately, June kicks off both summer and Internet safety month! Over the summer children may spend a lot more of their free time online—undirected and unsupervised. Now is the time to begin talking to them about online risks.
One important topic to discuss with them is cyberbullying. Unlike traditional school yard bullying, cyberbullying doesn't stop at the end of the school day or even the school year. A child who is being cyberbullied could go on summer vacation and still receive harassing texts from peers. Use NetSmartz Workshop's Cyberbullying Unplugged, a tip sheet which will help you learn more about cyberbullying and start a conversation about it with your children.
In addition to the cyberbullying tips, NetSmartz has released new resources for children. Encourage tweens and teens to visit NSTeens.org where they can play Gem-Jam or watch the newest NSTeens video, "Mike-Tosis." Meanwhile, younger children may want to check out Club UYN, which brings new contests and activities to NetSmartzKids.org every month. Help make your summer both super and safer with NetSmartz!
Bulletin Board: A New NetSmartz Adventure!
Online learning is increasingly becoming a regular part of children's lives. Teachers are using computers and cell phones in the classroom. Kids are doing their homework online, and parents are downloading educational apps for their kids on their iPhones. Meanwhile, NetSmartz has developed an exciting addition to its collection of online learning tools for young children.
Router's Birthday Surprise is a comprehensive Internet and personal safety resource for children ages 5-10. In this interactive adventure, Clicky throws a party for his good friend, Router the robo-pup. Children follow Clicky through his busy day and become part of the story—playing a game show to learn the online safety rules, helping Clicky put the Webville Outlaws back in jail, and deciding who is a trusted adult. When they finish all of the activities, they are certified NetSmartz Kids!
Check out the Router's Birthday Surprise adventure today!
Social Spotlight: Phillip K.
Meet one of our youngest NetSmartz champions, 6th grader Phillip K. He is an advocate and a leader in his local community. He believes in educating his peers on issues such as cyberbullying and the importance of being safer online.
Q: What do you consider to be the most important issue for parents trying to teach their children Internet Safety?
A: Parents might not entirely know what their children are talking about, but online resources like NetSmartz.org can always help!.
Q: What was the biggest technological advancement of your generation?
A: 3-D Televisions.
Q: Who is your favorite NetSmartz character?
A: Clicky
Q: What is the best advice you have for parents who want to keep their kids safer online?
A: Don't be afraid to get involved. Kids may have to turn to an adult for guidance.
Q: What is your favorite website?
A: Popcapgames.com
Q: What is your favorite blog?
A: I don't use blogging websites
Q: How did you get involved with NetSmartz Workshop?
A: I used their teaching materials.
Q: What social networking sites do you use?
A: I don't use these sites for the cyber bullying reasons.
Q: What is your favorite animated film?
A: I like just about every animated film. I can't choose a favorite.
Q: Name one technology or gadget you can't live without.
A: Television
Q: What do you think is the biggest safety risk to youths online?
A: Not being able to tell how old the people are you're chatting with. They could be in their 40s.
Q: What advice do you have for young people online?
A: Always tell a trusted adult when you come across any problems like cyberbullying.
Q: What is your favorite online activity?
A: Playing games.
Q: Do you spend more time creating or consuming Web content?
A: I consume more.
Q: What do you think the Internet will look like in five years?
A: I think there will be better security systems in social networking sites to prevent cyber bullying.
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Any views or opinions presented in Social Spotlight are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily represent those of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.