Safe Surfing Info for Kids
There are a lot of fun things we use the internet for; some of them are chatting to friends, listening to music, checking out information on movies or bands, and playing games. Not everything on the internet is fun or appropriate for kids but, if we follow a few simple rules, the internet can be a fairly safe place. There are a lot of people using the internet all around the world, and some of these people are dangerous. These people will lie to children to try and get them to meet in person. It is important that you understand why your parents make rules around the use of the internet and follow them. Below are a few rules you should follow to keep yourself safe while you're online.
Safe Surfing Checklist
- I won't give out my personal information to anyone online including my last name, where I live, where I go to school, my phone number, or a photograph of myself without checking with my parents first.
- If I'm surfing the web or checking my email and I come across a page or a photo that is inappropriate or makes me feel uncomfortable, I will tell my parents right away.
- I will never meet with a person in real life that I have met over the internet, unless my parents go with me.
- I will not respond to messages or emails that are inappropriate, mean, or make me feel uncomfortable.
- I will talk to my parents about setting up rules and boundaries around using the internet and I will follow them closely.
- I will not give my password to anyone except a responsible adult in my family.
Kids-Safe Websites
Below are a bunch of websites that are safe for kids to visit and a lot of them are pretty fun too. Check them out and see what you think.
Search Engines
Yahooligans - a kids safe version of the Yahoo search engine and webportal.
Ask for Kids - a kids safe version of the Ask Jeeves search engine and webportal.
KidGrid - a kid safe search engine and webportal.
Games & Puzzles
Nick Jr.- great website for kids, from the NickJr tv channel. There is also Nick.com for kids a little older.
PBS Kids - PBS's shows for kids.
Knowledge Network - Knowledge Network's prorgamming for kids.
Lego - a place where Lego fans can play games, join the 'Lego Club' or post comments on the message boards - which are also monitored for safety.
Disney Online - large website with features based on Disney's movies, tv shows, and amusement parks.
Star Wars Kids - all kinds of Star Wars info and games for kids.
Bonus.com - lots of games, puzzles, and information for kids.
Educational Entertainment
CBC Kids - CBC's website for kids - games, show info, cool downloads.
BrainPOP - an educational site with hundreds of academic flash movies on health, science, technology, math, and english.
Discovery Kids - Discovery Kids TV channel. Child oriented information and games.
Smart Kids- a website developed to help children aged 7-12 to discover ways to look at, think about, and respond creatively to art.
FunBrain- tons of educational games.
Kids Bank - a fun place for kids to learn about money and banking.
Chem 4 Kids - learn about chemistry.
Sandlot Science- optical illusions and brain games & puzzles.
National Geographic Kids- National Geographic Magazine for kids. Contains lots of interesting articles, games, and different activities.
Webmonkey for Kids- introductory lessons for kids on how to make websites.
Yes Mag- The science magazine for adventurous minds. Has lots of science facts and experiments to try at home.
Yucky.com - the yuckiest website on the internet. Contains all kinds of science entertainment.