Internet Safety Resources for Parents, Teachers, and Students

Purpose: As technology continues to play a more significant role in daily life, it is crucial to provide our parents and educators with the tools and knowledge needed to help keep our children safe online. In January 2009, Illinois lawmakers took steps to address these challenges by amending the Illinois School Code 105 ILCS 5/27-13.3 regarding Internet Safety. The amended law mandates that each school district implement an Internet Safety curriculum for grades 3 and above, effective by the 2009-2010 school year.

This curriculum addresses the following key areas:

1. Safe and responsible use of social networking sites, chat rooms, email, bulletin boards, instant messaging, and other online communication tools.
2. Recognizing, avoiding, and reporting online solicitations by sexual predators targeting students and their peers.
3. Risks associated with sharing personal information on the internet.
4. Identifying and avoiding unsolicited or deceptive communications.
5. Recognizing and reporting instances of online harassment and cyberbullying.
6. Reporting illegal online activities and communications.
7. Understanding copyright laws concerning written materials, photos, music, and videos.

Curriculum Requirements: The Internet Safety curriculum must be taught at least once during each school year. Below are several recommended resources for parents, students, and teachers to further enhance internet safety awareness. Please note that the sites listed below are external to the district's filtering system. Although every effort has been made to ensure these resources are appropriate, Marion CUSD #2 cannot be held responsible for any changes to the online content of the linked sites.

Parent Resources:

• Connect Safely: Offers guidance on making informed internet safety decisions for families.
• Filters Information and Review: A reference site for evaluating internet filters and parental controls.
• Recognizing Grooming Behavior: Learn the signs of online grooming and how to discuss this issue with your children.
• Internet Acronyms Every Parent Needs to Know: Provides a list of key acronyms commonly used by students in chat rooms and texting.
• Internet Agreement Template: A template for a Family Internet Agreement, outlining safe online behavior.
• Internet Safety Quiz: How Aware R U?: A quiz to test online safety knowledge, provided by the Illinois Attorney General.
• Parent's Guide to Internet Safety: FBI’s online safety tips for parents.
• Parents on Patrol: Created by the National Crime Prevention Council to help parents monitor their children's online activity.
• Safe Kids: Promotes digital citizenship and online safety education for families.
• Tips for Parents: Safety tips for Illinois parents provided by the Illinois Attorney General.

Student Resources:

• Chat Danger: A resource for understanding the risks of IM, social media, and other online platforms.
• CyberAngels: A comprehensive site designed for both parents and kids with articles on online safety and responsible use.
• CyberTreehouse: Fun, safe games and resources for kids learning about internet safety.
• ID the Creep: A game designed to test students’ knowledge of online safety and networking risks.
• Internet Safety for Teens: Tips on how to navigate chat rooms and social media safely.
• NetSmartTeens: Comics and videos focused on cyberbullying and social media risks.
• Online Safety Tips for Teens: Provided by the Illinois Attorney General.
• PBS Kids’ Internet License: A fun quiz that helps kids learn the rules of safe online behavior.

Teacher Resources:

• NetSmartz: Offers age-appropriate activities and materials for teaching internet safety, from elementary through high school, with a certificate of completion for students.
• WebWiseKids: Provides resources for teachers of grades K-6 and programs for grades 6-12, focused on internet safety and cyberbullying prevention.
• Cyberbullying Research Center: Offers evidence-based strategies and resources for educators on addressing cyberbullying in schools.

Other Valuable Resources:

• OnGuard Online: Practical tips from the federal government and the tech industry on protecting privacy, securing computers, and avoiding fraud.
• Federal Trade Commission on Identity Theft: Information from the FTC on preventing, detecting, and defending against identity theft.
• Common Sense Media: Provides reviews, education, and resources on technology and media for families, along with digital citizenship lessons.
• Net Family News: A blog and newsletter offering news, tips, and expert commentary on the latest issues related to youth and technology.
• WiredSafety: A resource that helps users of all ages navigate internet and mobile safety issues.
• StaySafeOnline: The National Cyber Security Alliance’s initiative to promote cybersecurity and safety awareness, with resources for preventing cybercrime.

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Emerging Concerns in Online Safety:

As technology evolves, so do the risks associated with online engagement. New areas of concern for parents, students, and educators include:

• AI and Privacy: The increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in apps and devices raises concerns about privacy and data collection. It's essential to teach students about the responsible use of AI and how to protect their personal data.
• Digital Footprint: Students need to understand the long-term impact of their online activities, from social media posts to gaming behavior. Educators should emphasize the importance of a positive digital footprint.
• Social Media and Mental Health: With the rise of social media, students are increasingly exposed to mental health risks, including anxiety, depression, and social comparison. Discussing the effects of social media on well-being is an essential part of internet safety education.
• Cybersecurity Education: As cybercrime becomes more sophisticated, students must learn how to identify phishing attempts, avoid scams, and protect their personal information online.
  
  
  Updated March 26, 2025