June is Internet Safety Month

June is Internet Safety Month and in many places, the beginning of summer vacation.  For us here at NEA HIN that means a renewed focus on helping kids be safe and smart online.  That can be a challenge.  I became a parent in the days before the Internet, but my children are digital natives.  They have grown up with access to an online world that I could not have imagined 27 years ago.  This world allows them and us to reach out to people all over the world.  I have used it to build friendships with people five time-zones away. 

But this world has its risks and part of our job as educators and parents it to help our children build the skills they need to be successful adults. This includes understanding and following the common sense safety tips that all of us should follow on the Internet, whether we get there by means of a desktop computer or the latest smart phone or tablet. 

Over at our [email protected] website, Summertime in Cyberspace, provides important tips for helping your child be safe this summer.  My top tip is know what your child is doing and where she or he is going online.  Have a happy summer.