Top Resources about Online Safety for Youth

There are dozens of resources out there about safety and privacy for kids and teens online.  In sorting through the wealth of information out there for a shorter list for a project at work, I narrowed it down to my top six.  I figured this information would be useful to others out there, so here it is.  I must admit to not agreeing with everything said on these sites (some are a wee bit inflammatory), but all in all, the information presented is good and would be helpful for parents and librarians trying to get a handle on online safety.

Get Net Wise
This guide discusses risks for children online at different age levels—including teenagers—and from different types of online activity. Also includes examples of contracts for kids to maintain their safety.

I-Safe
This site, from the Internet Safety Education Foundation, emphasizes empowering kids/teens to gain the knowledge they need to act safely and responsibly online.  The site offers a list of materials that can be ordered for free to help instruct students, parents, educators, etc.

Netsmartz Workshop
This site, created by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, includes safety tips, online and offline games and activities, statistics, safety pledges, and more to teach kids and teens how to stay safer online.

Safe Online Outreach Society
Stemming from a grant project in 2002, this site includes a wealth of guides, articles, tips, handouts, and activities for kids, teens, parents, and professionals.

SafeKids.com
This guide for families for "making the Internet and technology fun, safe and productive" features information about online safety for parents and children, covering topics such as computer security, chat rooms, spyware, cell phones, and more.

Yahooligans Parents’ Guide to Safe Surfing with Your Family
This site offers many resources, including a checklist to help keep your child safe, the importance of allowing your child to go online, a Family Pledge for safe surfing, safe communication online, and what to do if your child encounters inappropriate material.