Online Safety: Resources for Parents
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia understands that the Internet has become a part of everyday life for many children and teens. And while it can be a great source of entertainment and learning, the risks to kids' privacy and personal safety are real. Being aware of the risks that exist and discussing them with your children openly and often are the best ways parents can help keep their family safe in a digital world.
Here we have listed a variety of safety information resources from reliable, trustworthy organizations, to help you educate both yourself and your kids about responsible online behavior. Most of the information is free, though some sites do ask you to register first. If there is a fee, we have noted it beneath the link.
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
- SafetyNet: this site offers additional links to AAP online safety information, as well as links to other respected organizations that provide the same.
Parent-Teacher Association (PTA)
- Internet safety: this site offers a number of guides and resources related to Internet safety, as well as cell phone safety and social media use.
- A Parent's Guide to Video Games, Parental Controls and Online Safety: an informational guide about choosing age-appropriate games, setting up parental controls, and making sure your child’s video game experience is safe and secure. Includes online games.
Common Sense Media
- commonsensemedia.org: this site offers a wealth of information, and covers everything media-related, from movies, games and DVD reviews to education about online safety, parental controls and social media sites. The site is free, but may require you to register to see some of the information. When you register, if you provide your children's ages, the site will offer you resources appropriate for your children's ages.
The Internet Keep Safe Coalition
- IKeepSafe: information for parents, educators and kids.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
- NetSmartz: this site provides information for parents and guardians, teens, kids and educators and addresses real-world safety as well as online and media safety.
BrainPOP Animated Educational Site for Kids
- BrainPOP: animated, curriculum-based content that touches on a large variety of topics, not just online safety. BrainPOP offers four versions: BrainPOP Jr. (K-3rd grade), BrainPOP, BrainPOP Espanol, and BrainPOP ESL (English as a Second Language). There is a fee to use BrainPOP, but you can sign up for a free 5-day trial first.
National Crime Prevention Council
- McGruff the Crime Dog: the National Crime Prevention Council's crime-fighting dog, McGruff, provides information to kids about staying safe online. Includes an online safety pledge for kids to print out and sign, games, and information about cyber-bullying.
Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
- Information about the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act
- Information about COPPA from the Federal Trade Commission
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