Tips are for Kids!

I came across some great sites recently and will be telling you more about them as I go along. I've added a couple over on the left under my "Friends" links, so check them out. I'll also add them to my main web site over at my main site. For now, I want to tell you about two that I really think are good resources - one created by a college, the other by a government agency.

The first is a site developed by the folks up at the University of Michigan. The Internet Public Library is a good resource site and has a section dedicated to kids. There's lots of resources and search engines specially designed for kids' use. It even has a section for help on homework! But most important of all is the section devoted to online safety and security issues. You can find it here.

The other site is the result of a government and police agency sponsored program in the UK called the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre. Although they are doing great work on an international scale, the good stuff can be found at a site they developed called Think U Know. The site has tips and advice on all sorts of online and technology related safety concerns. There's resources for kids, parents and teachers. And the British slang is an entertaining read, too. Here's some tips they give for kids using the internet:

• It's best not to give out your personal details to online mates.
• Personal stuff includes your messenger id, email address, mobile number and any pictures of you, your family or friends.
• If you publish a picture or video online – anyone can change it or share it.
• SPAM/Junk email & texts: don’t believe it, reply to it or use it.
• It’s not a good idea to open files that are from people you don’t know. You won’t know what they contain – it could be a virus, or worse – an inappropriate image or film.
• It’s easier to get along with people online and say stuff you wouldn’t offline.
• Some people lie online.
• It’s better to keep your online mates online. Don’t meet up with any strangers without an adult you trust. Better to be uncool than unsafe!
• It’s never too late to tell someone if something makes you feel uncomfortable.
• There are people who can help. Report child abuse or find somebody who can give you advice and support.

Great advice for us all. Cheerio!