Internet Safety Month Checklist

June is racing by, how have you celebrated Internet Safety Month?

Coming into its twelfth year, Internet Safety Month has been an opportunity to stop children from being victimized in online spaces. A group of companies and organizations, including FOSI, Google, and the National Cyber Security Alliance, are using this month the teach best practices to keep your family safe on the internet.

We know schedules are hectic in summertime. Between camps, vacations and work, it’s hard to see where to make another task fit. But protecting yourself and your kids when you go online is key to good digital citizenship and enjoying the internet. Use June’s theme to start good habits that continue throughout the year!

Here are a few things that you can do to make your family safer in just a few minutes:

1.) Bring up the topic with Three Teachable Moments. This guide covers first phones, turning thirteen, and technology and driving.

2.) Visit the Be Internet Awesome site. Google has put together a list of tips for parents and a game for kids, Interland, to educate and empower them to make safe choices online.

3.) Have a discussion about using technology. Try the Online Safety Cards to talk about how any when kids can use their devices.

4.) Take breaks from social media. Stepping back creates space to think about how kids reach decisions on social media.

5.) Spend time online together with your kids. Having you there will set an example for safe behavior when using the internet.

Remember, if there’s time to be online, there’s time to be there safely. Happy Internet Safety Month!

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