Today’s kids — iGen, as they’re being called — are plugged in. But some are toying with the phrase “online native” that’s used to describe them, and calling them “online naïve.” They might not believe everything they see on TV, but they’re pretty likely to think everything they see online is true, or at least equally valid (according to postmodern terms). They’re learning to keep personal information below the surface, in private messages instead of on social networking walls where everyone can see, but they’re still in the dark about cookies, public Wifi, and other potential breaches to their security and privacy. Today’s kids might be digitally savvy, but they still need guidance from parents that have a little more wisdom than they do.
Safety Training
The US government has a website devoted to helping kids (and their parents) navigate cyberspace wisely and safely. In addition to helping kids learn how to keep personal information private from potential predators, the site offers advice and resources on its blog about how to differentiate between true and false statements made online and games about important topics like laptop security.
Recommended Websites
The following websites aren’t just safe, as in they’re created by well-known organizations and won’t infect your device with malware, but they’re also chock full of educational, kid-friendly content that’s presented well.
Funology is a place to learn kid-friendly recipes, magic tricks, and more!
Smithsonian TT Junior for the K-6 crowd and TweenTribune for those in grades 5-6 offer timely articles that tie into history, science, and more.
Sports Illustrated Kids is an excellent resource for young sports fans.
Science Bob hosts myriad science experiment and Science fair ideas
NASA Kids’ Club is the online source for space-aged fun and information.
National Geographic for Kids offers lots of information about the world around us.
For a kid-friendly take on current events, Time Magazine hosts Time for Kids.
A free trial to Reading Rainbow’s “Skybrary” is a great way to encourage the imagination, and it’s hosted by the same personality as the kids’ TV show which we Gen Xers watched as kids.
Early readers can learn basic phonics skills at Starfall.
Funbrain offers educational games on a variety of topics.
Brain Pop has a sleek format and separate sites for kids ages K-3 and those in upper elementary school.
Image credits: Top © Scott Griessel/Creatista/Fotolia; 2nd © Karin Dreyer/Blend Images LLC/Fotolia.
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