Overview

Grades K - 2

Clicky, the friendly and hip spokesrobot , teaches young children in very simple terms about the possible dangers on the Internet, how to avoid them, and how to practice good "netiquette." After introducing basic uses of the Internet, Clicky introduces children to the "Webville Outlaws." These villains represent different Internet dangers.

For example Wanta-Know Wally tries to get personal information, Potty-Mouth Pete uses bad language online, and Look-at-Dis Louie tries to show kids pictures of "things kids don't want to see." Another Outlaw, Meet-Me Mack, wants children to meet him in person.

Clicky reminds children that if they see something that makes them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused, they should tell a trusted adult.

Grades 3 - 6

Nettie and Webster , two Internet cyber-siblings, talk about online risks and introduce children to the "WizzyWigs." The "WizzyWigs" are creepy characters who represent Internet dangers.

Follow-You Fiona shows children that people may not be who they say they are on the Internet. Spamozoid sends junk e-mail to lots of people, usually stuff that kids don't want to see.

The Oogle watches what kids do online and tries to get their personal information. Characters like Hot-Head, who is rude online, and Numbut, who spends too much time on the computer, are introduced to demonstrate important Internet concepts.

Middle and High School

About 17 million youth ages 12 to 17 use the Internet. That's 73 percent of teenagers in the United States.¹ For many of these teenagers the Internet is an integral part of their everyday lives. They use instant messaging, chatrooms, and e-mail services to communicate with friends and relatives. They use web sites to get information on health issues, for school reports, and for information on current events. Many teens exchange and play music and games via the Internet. Also, tech savvy teens are creating web sites to exchange information and do business.

Teens are taught Internet safety principles through real-life stories told by teens. Two of the pieces, "Amy's Choice" and "Julie's Journey," are actual recordings of victims recounting the consequences of their online choices. Most vignettes take about three minutes to watch.

Corresponding activity cards give ideas for how to use the teen stories to teach Internet safety to middle- and high-school aged students in individual, group, or classroom settings.

¹Teenage Life Online. The Rise of Instant-Message Generation and the Internet's Impact on Friendships and Family Relationships. Washington, DC: Pew Internet & American Life Project, 2001.