NetSmartz® Workshop is a program of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children®. NetSmartz partnered with Sprint to create NSTeens.org, a website with Internet safety resources for tweens. The newest NSTeens video, “Mike-Tosis” helps tweens understand how quickly and how widely information may be disseminated via online applications and cell phones. When children put personal or inappropriate information online, they run the risk of having it spread throughout their schools, communities, or even worldwide. When Allie accidentally lets it slip that she has a crush on Mike Chang, the news spreads around her school through text messages, social networking sites, and online comments. Suddenly, it’s a mad dash through NS High, with Allie trying to outrace online communications and reach Mike Chang before her secret does. NSTeens.org contains short animated videos, peer response videos, a webcomic, a game, and safety tips for tweens. Each of the animated videos is accompanied by an activity card that teachers can use to reinforce the videos’ lessons. In addition to the animated shorts like “Mike-Tosis,” NSTeens.org hosts Teens Talk Back, a peer response video series. This series can be used in tandem with the animations, allowing children to see their peers sharing stories of online experiences and the “drama” that may arise from sharing information online. See the full video here.
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