Computers and Internet use are now part of the primary tools used by kids, not only for classroom research and study, but for recreational use as well. In this day and age everyone knows students can explore the marvels of the world and travel to the most intelligent realms of our galaxy on the Internet. But how many realize that if students are not aware of online dangers, they can become entrapped in the darkest most detestable realms of the human imagination by predators lurking online? Educators and parents are now recognizing that awareness and true safety online is not found in software filters that try to protect children only during the school day - it is found in education and community support that helps students develop the necessary safety skills whenever they are online.

Our goal is to help educate teachers and students on how to avoid dangerous, inappropriate, or unlawful online behavior. "There is a very real need to offer teachers, parents and children the tools they need to help keep kids safer on the Internet," said Asst. U.S. Attorney Stephanie Lister. "We must encourage kids to beware of interacting online with people they don't know. We can help prevent kids from becoming victims by teaching them to be cyber-savvy." According to a study of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), approximately 1 in 5 children online received a sexual solicitation or approach over the Internet and 1 in 33 received an aggressive sexual solicitation that included an invitation to meet in person.

Click on a title bar below to display more information about each organization and their resources.

The NetSmartz Workshop is a free, online resource created by NCMEC that combines the newest technologies available and the most current information to create high-impact, age-appropriate activities, videos and challenges for grades K-12.  NetSmartz has created a website for educators and parents in Washington state, which provides access to these materials.

The i-SAFE America Inc. program is a non-profit foundation whose mission is to educate and empower youth to make their Internet experiences safe and responsible. i-SAFE accomplishes this through a prevention-oriented, Internet safety education program for kids in grades K-12, which includes free professional development for educators, K-12 curriculum, and leadership opportunities for students.

Web Wise Kids is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering today's youth to make wise choices online. WWK leads the way marrying education and technology to reach today's e-generation by using computer games to communicate Internet safety. High tech simulations based on real-life criminal cases prepare children to safely and confidently explore the cyber world capturing their attention in a way that "another lecture from an adult" can never do. For more information about Web Wise Kids please visit www.webwisekids.org.

The Internet is a great educational resource for children. By surfing online, kids can find help for their schoolwork, gather information for research projects, expand their view of the world, connect with friends and family, and discover endless opportunities for educational entertainment.

But parents and guardians must also consider the potential risks the Internet presents to children. The Qwest Connected Family Online Classroom is here to help!

Cyberbullying Prevention Campaign
The cyberbullying prevention campaign targets 12 and 13-year-olds, particularly girls, urging them to put an end to the cyberbullying chain. Tweens and teens can be lured into such behavior because it takes place in a virtual world. In fact, because they don't realize the tangible consequences, some don't even recognize these hurtful actions as bullying. These new PSAs – including viral videos – help them realize that if they wouldn't say it in person, they shouldn't say it online.

Online Sexual Exploitation Campaign
The goal of the third year of the Online Sexual Exploitation PSA campaign is to make teen girls aware of the potential dangers of sharing and posting personal information online and of communicating with unfamiliar people to help reduce their risk of sexual victimization and abduction. The PSAs direct teen girls to “Think Before You Post,” and as with the previous two years, ask viewers and listeners to visit www.cybertipline.com, to get tips on how to prevent, detect, and report suspicious online behavior.

McGruff's Crime Prevention Campaign
McGruff has been successfully fighting crime ever since. He has provided all of us with the information and motivation needed for them to take an active role in developing safer, stronger and more caring communities.