Resources for Online Safety

Social media and the internet offer kids many opportunities for education, entertainment and connection. It has become a part of our everyday lives and a necessary component in many ways, even for young children. It goes beyond the computer, accessible through mobile devices, gaming platforms and Smart TVs. But navigating it safely is not always easy.

As adults, we have a responsibility to be proactive. We must educate ourselves and our kids about using devices, apps and other online tools safely. This is an ongoing process, so we can stay informed and educated about safety concerns. By taking protective actions in advance and speaking up about questionable behavior, we can help prevent harmful use of digital media and keep children safe from harm or exploitation.

We can keep children and teens safe by addressing online safety in our conversations with them and other safe adults in their lives, in our family safety planning, and by learning as much as we can about media literacy and safe behaviors.

The resources below provide information for both parents and youth on topics such as media literacy, privacy and safety, social media, and various other topics.

Learn about:

Resources:

Connect Safely

ConnectSafely is for parents, teens, educators, advocates - everyone engaged in and interested in the impact of the social Web.

Parent Tip Sheets (It’s Time We Talked)

Downloadable PDF tip sheets for caregivers to start the conversation with their kids about pornography.

Privacy and Internet Safety (Common Sense Media)

Articles and videos for parents and children that help families make informed and safe choices when interacting with media and online platforms.

Netsmartz Workshop: An Interactive Educational Resource (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children)

An interactive educational resource for parents, teens, and kids about internet safety.

Media Literacy – Why talk about it? (Sex Positive Families)

Resources for parents and youth to have continued conversations about digital media literacy and ongoing internet safety.

Social Media Test Drive

Preparing youth for digital citizenship through simulated social media scenarios allowing them to feel more comfortable navigating digital safety.

Cyberwise

For parents and educators to help youth understand digital literacy and online safety through videos, e-books, games, tip sheets and online courses.

Online Safety for Youth (U.S. Department of Justice)

A list of federally supported publications and resources targeting internet safety, including a Safety Pledge for parents and caregivers that will give access to a larger toolkit and additional free resources.