This is a sponsored post on behalf of Google and the Mom It Forward Influencer Network.
I still remember the first time I was able to use the internet. It was loud, and weird, and I loved every minute of it. Back then, I didn’t think about creating a safer internet, because it was still so new. Now that I have a family, I can see the importance of things like Safer Internet Day.
Being a parent of 3 internet-loving kids means I have to equip them with the right tools. It also means that I have to be truthful about their internet usage. We use the internet a lot around here.
Being homeschoolers, we rely on the internet to learn, grow, explore, and give our kids some freedom. Yes, even the 4 year old learns digitally. With all 3 kids using the internet as a learning tool, we’ve worked on teaching them how to create a better internet.
How To Be A Good Digital Citizen
One way we teach our kids be good digital citizens is to remind them that online words are the same as offline words. Being kind online is just as important as when you do it with offline friends. Being a bully online works the same way. Words are still important, even if you’re typing them onto a screen
We also let them use the proper resources. Google’s Be Internet Awesome site is a great start to having safer internet conversations. They also just released the NEW Family Guide, which is perfect for parent like us that understand the importance of internet usage.
Letting Them Learn Through Play
When you can combine the internet, safe play, and a cool website, you get kids that don’t mind learning about those topics that usually don’t interest them. I mean, say the words “safer internet” to your teen, and see what face they make.
To combat those sighs and “come on, Mom” moments, we’ve let the kids play Interland. Interland is a fun game that teaches kids how to be an internet explorer, while being safe and becoming a pro at being internet awesome.
It’s super cute to watch our kids have so much fun playing Interland, and to ask them all about what they learned when we sit around the dinner table.
How To Talk Safer Internet With Kids
There are some very simple ways to get your kids to not only learn about Safer Internet, but be interested in it on a regular basis.
- Come Together for a Better Internet with your family by using Be Internet Awesome starting with the program’s NEW Family Guide and then encourage your kids to put their skills to the test with Interland at g.co/Interland.
- Use Be Internet Awesome’s quick tips for families for Safer Internet Day.
- Encourage your child’s school to come together for a better internet too by sharing Be Internet Awesome with their teachers.
- Have a conversation with your kids about how to be safe and smart online on Safer Internet Day, and everyday, by using the information you learned from Be Internet Awesome.