Commmon Sense Media Brings Learning to Life

Common Sense Media is not just about digital citizenship. If you have checked out their web site you will find much more than help with keeping yourself and your kids safe and secure on the world wide web. They also provide help with evaluating various types of media (tv, movies, etc.) and education in general. Here is an example of their efforts in the learning realm.

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/guide/back-to-school-guide

Using Devices Safely - Texting

One aspect of digital citizenship involves using your devices in a manner that is safe for both you and the people around you in physical space. I just discovered an opinion piece in the New York Times about texting on a phone while walking. It includes a short video created by the author to point out the dangers. Take a peek. The link is below.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/09/opinion/texting-while-walking.html?ref=sunday

Do you know the warning signs of inappropriate online behavior?

Rachel Linton recently spoke about internet and technology safety at Messalonskee Middle School. Ms. Linton is education manager at the Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center. Click on the link below to view her presentation.
http://ustre.am/J88I

Facebook Settings/Privacy Help

Have you or your child checked your Facebook privacy settings lately?  A Facebook Guide for parents has been uploaded to the "Cyberbullying" page to help you and your family use Facebook safely.

Online Safety Habits Need to be Learned Early

The following is an excerpt from a recent posting by Commonsense Media.

Why Internet safety matters

Kids today can go online from so many different sources, including video game consoles, iPhones and smart phones, and even handheld gaming devices. Young people are increasingly living their lives online, and their digital devices are some of their favorite toys and tools.

Shouldn’t this new playground be a safe and nice place? With your guidance, it can be. Teaching Internet safety in the elementary years will have lasting rewards for you and your kids.

The site shares some very basic recommendations on keeping kids safe when using the internet, including sharing of personal information and photos, passwords, and when not to open email messages. It also outlines more detailed strategies for being both responsible and safe when on line.

To check out those details and more go to Internet Safety Tips for Elementary School Kids

Accidental Porn Search Results?

The Cyber Safety Lady from Australia has some tips for avoiding such mishaps when searching with  Google as well as some modem and computer filter suggestions.

Protect Your Kids On Google Search From Porn And Adult Content

Facebook "Friending" Lesson

The link below is a short, cute lesson on accepting friends on Facebook.

Facemoods' Online Safety Kit - Little Red Riding Mood