Cyber Safety
Safety in the digital age.
How do you know if you're talking to an online predator? What could happen if you send a sext underage? Who can you go to if you're being cyberbullied?
The Cyber Safety program is a practical approach to Internet safety designed to engage youth in healthy and empowering discussions about the Internet and social media. It equips them with the necessary skills to navigate the digital world safely, instill confidence in their ability to make informed decisions. Through age-appropriate classroom presentations, assemblies, anti-bullying clubs, peer groups, and cyber safety summer camps, we partner with children and teens to address some of today’s youth’s most pressing problems, ensuring they are well-prepared to face the challenges of the Digital Age.
Program components:
Cyber Bullying
Sexting and Human Trafficking
Online Predators
Digital Reputation/Footprint
Online Privacy and Security
Resilience
Adult Workshops
Our Cyber Safety Program (grade 3+)
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Staying safe while still engaging online
No PowerPoint here. We listen to 3rd - 10th grade youth. Engage them in conversations as to what they’re using and what the benefits and risks might be. Present them with scenarios and case studies to workshop how best to handle. Together, we discuss how to navigate the digital world safely, instilling confidence in their ability to make informed decisions.
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What to do about Cyberbullying
The statistics are alarming; nearly half of US youth report they’ve been cyberbullied. And the impacts are enormous: research shows cyberbulling leads to anxiety, depression and worse. We train them how to avoid cyberbulling, how to identify and advocate for friends who are being bullied, and what to do if it happens to them.
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Online Predators and Human Trafficking
They’re sneaky and everywhere; online predators look for children to exploit; law enforcement get frustrated they’re always finding new ways. But children who know what to look out for are a step ahead of them.
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The facts on Sexting
They might be sent one, asked for one, or shown one; sexting is more common than you think. We partner with children and teens to help them understand the sensitivities, considerations, legalities and precautions.
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Preparing for the future
Together with children and teens, we work to address youth’s most pressing problems today, while also looking ahead to ensure they are well-prepared to face the inevitable digital challenges of their future.
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Parenting in the digital age
Neither the internet nor parenting came with instruction manuals. To help their children, parents want to know what to (and not to) do. We offer classes on how parents can navigate the digital age and make informed choices.
Cyber Safety and Anti-Bullying Club
This research-backed peer-group program educates young people to be Cyber Safety and Anti-bullying leaders in their schools and communities. Based on the premise that youth learn best from one another, the Club grows “out of the spontaneous willingness of children and adolescents to help one another and create roles and structures where students, on the role, can be trained and helped to act in a responsible, sensitive, and empathic way towards other pupils” (Menesini, Nocentini, & Palladino, 2012).
Facilitated in the schools - during school hours or after school
Meets once a week for 6-8 weeks
8-15 students
Student-led projects and school campaign
T-shirt and snack provided
Students receive a participation certificate
Volunteer hours available
More information
Lily Rosenberg, Prevention Specialist - Cyber Safety/Wellness and Resilience
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To schedule a Cyber Safety Training class, please contact lily@washtenawchildren.org.
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Stay tuned for upcoming camp sessions here!
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OK2Say: 855-565-2729
Take It Down (ncmec.org)
CyberTipline (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children): 1-800-THE-LOST
“It's easier to build strong children than to repair broken men."
— Frederick Douglas