BeSafeOnline.org - Feeling overwhelmed trying to keep on top of all the potential dangers of the Internet? If you don't know where to start, this primer discusses the common problems associated with everything from e-mail and instant-messaging clients to file sharing and shopping online. It's basic but essential information.
BeWebAware.org - A well-organized site with a vast amount of information. It includes useful safety tips that are organized by age group. It discusses many of the problems kids might encounter (from pornography to cyberbullying and Internet addiction), provides warning signs, and lists preventative tips for each topic. On a more optimistic note, there are also articles on getting the most out of the Internet, with lists of URLs for such things as kid-friendly portals and monitored chat rooms.
CyberSmart.org - A nonprofit corporation, The CyberSmart! School Program has developed a K�8 curriculum to help teachers educate schoolchildren on how to use the Internet productively and safely. This first initiative, which was copublished by Macmillan/McGraw Hill, is available for free. The site also includes online safety tips and other essential information for parents, children, and teachers.
GetNetWise.org - A public service provided by the Internet Education Foundation and a list of contributing partners that includes America Online and Microsoft, GetNetWise is a fantastic resource for understanding all the dangers of the Internet as well as how to protect yourself and your family. The Keeping Children Safe Online area provides an online safety guide with tips organized by age, information on handy tools (including many of the products reviewed here), a list of sites designed for kids, and advice on what to do if you encounter a potential problem. The site also discusses antivirus software, firewalls, spam, and other security-related issues.
Peacefire.org - Peacefire is a very informative site about filtering software. Its mission is to defend the First Amendment rights of individuals�namely people under 18�and it offers current news articles, information about various filtering products, and a download that can be used to circumvent any filtering software running on your computer. Whether you agree with Peacefire's goal or you're just trying to stay one step ahead of your children, this site is a worthwhile read.
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