NetSmartz
About NetSmartz Mission
NetSmartz Workshop is an interactive, educational program of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® (NCMEC) that provides age-appropriate resources to help teach children how to be safer on- and offline. The program is designed for children ages 5-17, parents and guardians, educators, and law enforcement. With resources such as videos, games, activity cards, and presentations, NetSmartz entertains while it educates.
Goals
- Educate children on how to recognize potential Internet risks
- Engage children and adults in a two-way conversation about on- and offline risks
- Empower children to help prevent themselves from being exploited and to report victimization to a trusted adult
The Internet has drastically changed the way that children interact with the world. They have access to in-depth knowledge, tools to express their creativity, and people from all over the world. Yet along with offering a fascinating, new way to connect with the world, the Internet also offers new risks
- Cyberbullying
- Exposure to inappropriate material
- Online predators
- Revealing too much personal information.
The Internet has drastically changed the way that children interact with the world. They have access to in-depth knowledge, tools to express their creativity, and people from all over the world. Yet along with offering a fascinating, new way to connect with the world, the Internet also offers new risks Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is just what it sounds like - bullying through Internet applications and technologies such as instant messaging (IM), social networking sites, and cell phones. It can start easily—with a rumor, a photo, or a forwarded message—and just as easily spiral out of control. An embarrassing video posted to a social networking site by someone in Kansas tonight may be watched by someone in Japan tomorrow. Cyberbullying victims may be targeted anywhere, at any time.
Healthy Habits for TV, Video Games, and the Internet
No doubt about it — TV, interactive video games, and the Internet can be excellent sources of education and entertainment for kids. But too much screen time can have unhealthy side effects.
That's why it's wise to monitor and limit the time your child spends playing video games, watching TV, and on the computer and the Internet.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that kids under age 2 have no screen time, and that kids older than 2 watch no more than 1 to 2 hours a day of quality programming.
It's also a good idea to make sure kids have a wide variety of free-time activities like reading, playing with friends, and sports, which can all play a vital part in helping them develop a healthy body and mind.
Some Resources:
Media and Children
Living Their Lives Essentially Online
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/kidsonline/safe/protecting.html
A Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety
Internet Filter Software Review
Healthy Habits for TV, Video Games, and the Internet
http://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/Pages/Talking-to-Kids-and-Teens-About-Social-Media-and-Sexting.aspx
