We call today’s students “digital natives,” but even though they’re comfortable with new technologies, they’re not always technically savvy about using them, and parents and educators are concerned.
Last September, in a poll conducted by Zogby International for Common Sense Media, researchers asked teens and parents about their views of online privacy and how their personal information is being used by websites, social networks and other online platforms.
The study found that parents are deeply concerned about how much their kids are sharing online, and that social networking sites aren’t doing enough to keep their kids information safe.
Many young people don’t realize that anything they post or text can be copied, pasted, forwarded, shared and viewed by anyone, including college administrators, potential employers, or online predators.
That’s where bnetsavvy.org comes in. The Internet safety site helps educators and parents understand what young people are talking about—and doing—on computers, mobile phones, interactive gaming devices, and other wireless technology, and how to keep them safe.
From cyberbullying to sexting, there are plenty of ways for students to misuse technology. Bnetsavvy.org helps teach kids about the impact their online actions can have on themselves and on each other.
“We need to empower kids to make smart, safe choices when they’re online,” says Internet safety program coordinator Jamila Boddie.
The site focuses on social networking, wireless devices, gaming, cyberbullying, safety, and privacy. Regular blog posts keep visitors up-to-date on trends impacting Internet usage and safety, and downloadable tip sheets and checklists offer guidance on how to teach kids to use the Internet responsibly.
There’s also an “Ask the Experts” area, where industry experts like Sharon Cindrich of Plugged in Parent, Anne Collier of Net Family News, and Nancy Willard of the Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use answer questions from concerned educators.
Learn more about bnetsavvy.org and sign up for new content alerts.