Promote Online Safety with Your Family and Beyond #ShareAwesome
As with many American families, my family is surrounded by technology in our everyday lives. We have internet connected TVs, tablets, smart phones, and laptops. My son’s school is transitioning to doing most schoolwork and homework online. My daughter loves to play online games and just got an email account. I want them to feel free to explore and have fun, but I also want them to stay safe.
I created complex passwords
National PTA has partnered with LifeLock to share awesome ways families can create an open, evolving conversation about positive, safe decisions when using digital tools. The campaign promotes that good online citizenship is part of having a happy, healthy lifestyle. Everyone can really benefit when we #ShareAwesome with the world.
I shared this photo AFTER the event and did not share our names.
The behavior we model and expect from our kids offline should be the same that we model and expect from them online. I tell my kids, “If you would not say or share something in person, it’s not a good idea to say or share it online.” As a blogger, my kids know that I share personal photos online and some personal information, but they also know the rules I follow:
- Never share your location – I do not talk about where I live and have all location services disconnected on my devices
- Do not share full names or school names – except for my own name, I never mention other family member’s names, where they live of the names of their schools. My kids have pretend names they use online.
- Do not share vacation information – I only share vacation photos and location AFTER we have returned home.
- Use complex passwords and never share them with friends – we have come up with fun ways to think up complex passwords.
The ShareAwesome website has a great quiz parents can take to see how well they are doing when it comes to communicating about online safety with their children. There is a quiz for students to take as well.
I achieve my goals!
The goals of this program is not to scare kids, but to encourage them to use digital media for good. There is even a contest inviting social media users to share a smart and safe decision, uplifting accomplishment, or positive action for the good of others using the hashtag #ShareAwesome on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
I conquer my fears!
Snap a photo of an awesome moment in your day and share it on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram with the #ShareAwesome hashtag! Students who enter the #ShareAwesome contest between September 15 – November 30, 2014 will have a chance to win fantastic prizes, including tablets and a $2,500 scholarship!”
Create an open conversation with your family about positive, safe decisions when using digital tools. You can help make the world a happier and healthier place both online and off.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
I see so many people posting online when they are out or will be gone on vacation. These are good reminders for all of us, not just the kids.
Great tips! I need to be more careful online and make sure my kids are too.
It is very important to discuss this information with your children on or offline because they don’t always see the bad things in the world around them. Thank you for sharing such useful tips.
This is extremely helpful. Thanks for sharing.
Great rules for online activity. I always cringe when I see FB friends broadcasting their exact locations at any given moment, especially when kids are involved.
What a great program and that is a fantastic prize – college is so expensive every little bit helps. I adore your kids’ awesome moments – the rock climbing and the color race. You have so much fun as a family.
I am with you – especially on sharing vacation info
Great tips for protecting your privacy and keeping the kiddies safe. The internet is an exciting but also scary place at times. It’s good to remember all these things! – Katy
Keeping vacation info quiet is a must! We have had several security concerns throughout the years and can never protect enough!