Online Resources

 

Several years ago, I read the book It's Complicated: The Social Lives of Networked Teens by danah boyd (intentionally not capitalized). I found the book to be very enlightening and informative. She ends the book with this final paragraph:

Growing up in and being a part of networked publics is complicated. The realities that youth face do not fit into neat utopian or dystopian frames, nor will eliminating technology solve the problems they encounter. Networked publics are here to stay. Rather than resisting technology or fearing what might happen if youth embrace social media, adults should help youth develop the skills and perspective to productively navigate the complications brought about by living in networked publics. Collaboratively, adults and youth can help create a networked world that we all want to live in.

To help educate yourself and your child for the networked world, we have compiled the following online resources. While we do not specifically sponsor or endorse any specific web sites or software programs, we hope that you find these resources useful.

Cyberbullying and Chat Room Resources

Cyberbullying - NetSmartz
Stand Up To Cyberbullying - OnGuard Online
Cyberbullying-A Student Guide by Mankato Area Public Schools (PDF)
11 Facts About Cyberbullying
The Latest Cyberbullying Statistics And What They Mean In 2021
Help Kids Fight Cyberbullying And Other Mean Online Behavior (PDF)

Internet Contracts for Families and Schools

Family Contract for Online Safety - SafeKids.com (PDF)
Family Internet Safety Gameplan - InternetSafety.com (PDF)
Internet Safety Rules for K-5 and 6-12 from NetSmartz Workshop (PDF)
Parent Tip Sheets - NetSmartz Workshop

Internet Safety Tips

Achieving Digital Wellness In Your Family - Turning Life On (PDF)
Family Online Safety Institute
(PDF)
KidsHealth Internet Safety For Parents
Net Cetera - Chatting With Kids About Being Online (PDF)
OnGuard Online - Federal Trade Commission
Stop Think Connect
Internet and Video Game Addiction Questionnaires

Social Networking Resources

Social Networking Sites - OnGuard Online
Social Web Tips For Parents
Teens, Social Media, and Privacy - Pew Research Center (PDF)
They Loved Your G.P.A. Then They Saw Your Tweets

Software Products for Internet Filtering and Monitoring

CyberSitter
Pure Sight
Net Nanny
Norton Online Family
Qustodio 
WebWatcher

Internet Filter Software Reviews