“Chatting with Kids about Being Online” Booklet

The Internet offers a world of opportunities. People of all ages are: posting video from mobile devices, building online profiles, texting each other from their mobile devices, creating alter egos in the form of online avatars, connecting with friends online they don’t see regularly in person, sending photos to friends, broadcasting what they’re doing to hundreds of people.

These ways of socializing and communicating can be fulfilling and, yet, they come with certain risks.

Inappropriate conduct: The online world can feel anonymous. Kids sometimes forget that they are still accountable for their actions.

Inappropriate contact: Some people online have bad intentions, including bullies, predators, hackers, and scammers.

Inappropriate content: You may be concerned that your kids could find pornography, violence, or hate speech online. You can reduce these risks by talking to your kids about how they communicate—online and off— and encouraging them to engage in conduct they can be proud of.

This Stop.Think.Connect.™ Campaign guide covers what you need to know, where to go for more information, and issues to raise with kids about living their lives online.