In today’s digital age, we spend a significant amount of time online, making it more important than ever to prioritize online safety. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help protect you, your family, and your personal information. Here are a few of my “go-to” resources:
- Common Sense Media is a non-profit organization that provides parents, educators, and children with educational resources and tools to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. The organization was founded in 2003 with the aim of promoting media literacy and digital citizenship, and it offers a variety of resources, including expert reviews of movies, TV shows, video games, and apps, as well as advice on how to manage children’s media usage. Common Sense Media also provides comprehensive curricula for educators on digital citizenship, including lesson plans, videos, and assessments. The organization focuses on empowering children to use technology in a responsible and safe manner and to make informed decisions about their media usage. Common Sense Media’s mission is to help families and educators navigate the challenges of the digital age, promote healthy media usage, and foster digital citizenship among children and teens.
- ConnectSafety is a non-profit organization that provides education, resources, and advocacy for the safe and responsible use of technology. The organization was founded in 2005 and aims to promote positive online experiences for children, teens, and adults alike. ConnectSafety provides a variety of resources, including articles, videos, guides, and curricula for parents, educators, and youth on topics such as cyberbullying, online privacy, digital citizenship, and social media literacy. The organization also partners with other non-profits, schools, and government agencies to promote online safety and digital literacy.
- The Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2007 with the aim of promoting online safety and privacy for all users. FOSI collaborates with policymakers, industry leaders, and non-profit organizations to develop policies and practices that ensure a safe online environment for children, teens, and families. The organization provides educational resources and tools for parents, educators, and children to promote digital literacy and online safety. FOSI also conducts research and provides insights into emerging online safety issues and trends. The organization’s focus areas include cyberbullying, online privacy, digital citizenship, and child protection.
- The National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCSA) is a non-profit organization that was established in 2001 to promote cybersecurity awareness and education for all online users. NCSA collaborates with the government, private sector, and non-profit organizations to provide resources, training, and advocacy on cybersecurity issues. The organization focuses on promoting safe online behavior through its flagship campaign, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM), which is observed annually in October. NCSA provides educational resources and tools for individuals, small businesses, and educators to help them stay safe and secure online. The organization also works to raise awareness of emerging cybersecurity threats and trends and provides guidance on how to address these threats.
- Safety.Google is a website created by Google that provides information and resources on online safety and security. The site offers tools and tips for safe internet usage, including guidance on setting up strong passwords, managing privacy settings, and protecting personal information online. It also provides resources for parents, teachers, and educators to help children learn about online safety and digital citizenship. Additionally, the site includes information on how Google works to protect users from online threats and what measures users can take to stay safe while using Google products and services.
