Better Internet for Kids

This is an educational pack on the theme of privacy on the internet. In the first part, it provides the teacher with background information on the notions of privacy and intimacy online as well as on young people's activities on the Internet, mainly concerning communication. In the second part, it proposes ten animations on themes related to privacy: intimacy, anonymity, personal data, e-reputation, relationship with the image...

Target audience : (Teachers and educators of) young people in the first level of secondary school

Characteristics

This is an educational pack on the theme of privacy on the internet. In the first part, it provides the teacher with background information on the notions of privacy and intimacy online as well as on young people's activities on the Internet, mainly concerning communication. In the second part, it proposes ten animations on themes related to privacy: intimacy, anonymity, personal data, e-reputation, relationship with the image...

Target audience : (Teachers and educators of) young people in the first level of secondary school

Characteristics

Baby in digital age - paper folding game is aimed at parents of small children aged 0-3 to support their media education. Game can be played alone, in pairs or in a group, between parents or those working with children. There is additional material to support the topic in folding games instructions

The purpose of the parents’ workshop is to discuss:
how to talk to children about the war while building their sense of safety
how to behave so that the news and the disinformation in the media and on social media do not harm children
how can schools and homes work together to make sure that nobody experiences bullying or discrimination because of their background

Objectives of the lesson plan

create a safe space
process the emotions evoked by the news coverage and social media
develop source criticism
interfere with bullying and discrimination.

The reality is that children are starting to use technological equipment, access the Internet and interact with Technology at an increasingly younger age. This early use of technology and equipment has benefits, such as the development of language skills or logical and strategic reasoning acquired through games, but it also brings children some risks, such as viewing inappropriate content or contacting people they don’t know.

The Internet and technological development make it easier to have social interaction at a distance. Sexting is a word used to describe sending intimate, erotic photographs or videos over the Internet. This is a common practice among adults, but also young people and adolescents, who, most of the time, do not realise the impact and possible negative consequences an intimate photo or video can have in a few minutes.

As children are digital natives, it is crucial to take proper care so that they do not become an easy target for cybercriminals. One of the most difficult topics to approach with children is grooming and sexual abuse of minors through the Internet. It is probably parents’ biggest fear, both in “real life” and in the “digital world”, and it is not easy to approach this topic with children, not only because they are naive and childish, but also because they trust and believe others too much.

“Fake News” is deliberately false news that is perceived as true and is distributed on social networks and websites with the intention of generating benefit for some group, be it economic, political or social. As it seems to be true, this type of news and information is shared easily and quickly on the Internet and/or through messaging services and applications. There is no concern in searching for the Source of the information/news, which makes it very difficult to control the spread of “Fake News”.

Latvian SIC has created Internet Safety Advent Calendar with practical tips to remind children about the basics of online safety, how to protect themselves from dangers on the internet and find balance between their online and virtual activities.

Parents and educators were encouraged to remind children about internet safety, privacy and healthy balance between virtual and real-life activities and responsibilities, and meaningful use of the internet. Parents and teachers on the first day of Advent were invited to use printed version of Calendar in several ways:

Children often are spontaneous and emotional when it comes to expressing themselves online therefore usually they post and share on their social media accounts very private photos, videos and information not only of their private life but also life of other people. The random snap, pic or comment within seconds tagging each other can later make them wonder “I hope my friend/classmate doesn’t mind being tagged in my post/story and I’m not putting his/her privacy at risk?”