Today’s kids are growing up in an ever-changing technological world where t(w)een to t(w)een communication includes social networking sites, chat rooms, virtual worlds, and blogs. They are exposed to countless dangers when navigating the internet and often do not understand their actions affect other’s feelings and bear consequences. The websites below can help adults facilitate conversations with their kids about making safe and responsible choices when it comes to posting online or using social media:
American Academy of Pediatrics
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and its member pediatricians dedicate their efforts and resources to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. Their web site seeks to better the health of children worldwide by empowering parents/caregivers with resources and information to attain optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.
Don't Press Send, Inc.
Don’t Press Send is a national campaign created by NYS teacher Katie Schumacher to provide children with strategies as they navigate the ever-changing technological world. DPS promotes kind and careful online communication, in the hope of preventing children from harming themselves or others. Check out a video of Katie’s presentation to Manhasset middle school students, and take The Don’t Press Send Pledge to help combat misuse of social media.
Watch Video
Take the Pledge
Federal Trade Commission
The opportunities kids have to socialize online come with benefits and risks. Adults can help reduce the risks by talking to kids about making safe and responsible decisions. The Federal Trade Commission website works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them.
Kids.gov
Kids.gov is the official kids’ portal for the U.S. government where kids, parents and teachers are linked to information and services on the web from government agencies, schools, and educational organizations, all geared to the learning level and interest of kids. Kids.gov is organized into four audiences: Kids (Grades K-5), Teens (Grades 6-8), Teachers and Parents.
Know Bullying APP
Research shows that spending at least 15 minutes a day talking with your child will increase self-esteem and encourage him/her to come to you with a problem. This will help your child face bullying—whether being bullied, engaging in bullying, or witnessing bullying. The KnowBullying app provides helpful reminders, conversation starters ncluding how to know if your child is being affected and how to stop it.
Stop Bullying
StopBullying.gov provides information from various government agencies on what bullying is, what cyberbullying is, who is at risk, and how you can prevent and respond to bullying. Content for this website is provided by the partners on the StopBullying.gov Editorial Board including the Department of Education (ED), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ).
