Help children and teens protect themselves and their identity with Thinkfinity's Internet Safety resources.

Naming in a Digital World: Creating a Safe Persona on the Internet (Lesson Plan)

Developed by ReadWriteThink
Naming takes on new meanings in digital settings. As students build personas through e-mail addresses, screen names, and online profiles, they can be unaware of the ways that others may use the aliases, names, and other information that they choose and share. In this lesson from ReadWriteThink, students explore naming conventions in digital and non-digital settings. Then they choose and explain names and profiles to represent themselves online.

Creating a Safe Online Profile (Activity)

Developed by ReadWriteThink
In this activity from ReadWriteThink, teenagers explore online names by looking at sample e-mail addresses to determine what they can tell about the person who uses the account. After this exploration, teens choose a screen name or e-mail address for themselves, as well as decide on personal details to include on a safe, online profile.

Addressing Issues of Internet Safety (Reference Material)

Reviewed by ReadWriteThink
This article, from the International Reading Association, discusses ways of dealing with Internet safety issues in the classroom, and is applicable at home, at libraries and other settings. Suggestions include using filtering software to control access, and using browsers and search engines designed specifically for children.

NetSmartz (Collection of resources)

Reviewed by ReadWriteThink
This Web site, from The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, provides information about NetSmartz, an interactive, educational safety resource that teaches kids and teens how to stay safer on the Internet. The site has many resources for kids, teens, parents, educators, and law enforcement officials, including the video Tracking Teresa. This video explores Internet safety by demonstrating how a person can be tracked simply by accessing their online profile, screen name, and e-mail address.

McGruff.org (Collection of resources)

Reviewed by ReadWriteThink
This Web site, from the National Crime Prevention Council, offers extensive parent-, teacher- and child-appropriate resources related to child safety and youth crime prevention. Of particular interest are the Parent resources on Social Networking Sites and Internet Safety, both aimed at helping children and teens protect themselves and their identity online.

Child Safety on the Information Highway (Reference Material)

Reviewed by ReadWriteThink
This resource, from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, provides links to a downloadable brochure, available in English and Spanish, that offers safety tips for families whose teenagers use online services.

Family Safety Resources (Collection of resources)

Developed by Verizon
The Internet is a wonderful resource for everyone in your family. Nevertheless, there is content out there that you and your children won't want to see. Learn how to keep your family safe when online by visiting these helpful and informative sites. There you'll find articles, downloads and tools that will show you how to make the internet fun for the whole family.