Be Internet Awesome

Be Internet Awesome is a digital initiative launched by Google for kids, educators and parents to learn and explore the online world safely.

Introduction

Technology has been indispensable for everyone; from children to adults."Be Internet Awesome" is a newly launched digital platform designed by Google for families, educators and kids to help them be safe, confident explorers of online world. Internet curriculum has been specially developed along with interactive tools and resources, in consultation with ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) and AASL (American Association of School Librarians) standards. Internet exploring tips for educators and families are made available to download freely on the website.

Fundamentals of the Internet Code of Awesome

A. Share with care

1. Encourage thoughtful sharing by treating online communication like face-to-face communication; if it isn’t right to say, it isn’t right to post.
2. Create guidelines about what kind of communication is (and isn’t) appropriate.
3. Keep personal details about family and friends private.

B. Don't fall for fake

1. If statements about "winning" or getting something for “free” feel too good to be true, they most likely are.
2. Fair exchanges shouldn’t involve giving away any personal information.
3. Always think critically before acting online and learn to trust your intuition. Be on guard for phishing attempts - efforts to steal information like login or account details by pretending to be a trusted contact in an email, text, or other online communication.

C. Secure your secrets

1. Make it memorable, but avoid using personal information like names or birthdays.
2. Use a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, symbols, and numbers.
3. R3pl@ce le++ers wit# sYmb0ls & n^mb3rs 1ike Thi$.
4. Do not use the same password on multiple sites.
5. Create a few different variations of the same password for different accounts.

D. Be internet kind

1. Use the power of the Internet to spread positivity.
2. Stop the spread of harmful or untrue messages by not passing them on to others.
3. Respect others’ differences.
4. Block mean-spirited or inappropriate behavior online.
5. Make an effort to provide support to those being bullied.
6. Encourage kids to speak up against and report online bullying.

E. Be internet brave

1. Be clear about family or classroom rules and expectations around technology, as well as consequences for inappropriate use.
2. Keep the dialogue going by checking in frequently and encouraging kids to ask questions.
3. Extend the conversation to other trusted adults like teachers, coaches, counselors, friends, and relatives.

Tools and resources for children

Interland

Kids can play their way to being Internet Awesome with Interland, an online adventure that puts the key lessons of digital safety into hands-on practice with four challenging games. To play the game, visit https://beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com/en_us/interland.

Resources for families

The Be Internet Awesome Family Guide gives families the tools and resources to learn about online safety and citizenship at home. To access the resource, visit https://beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com/en_us/families.

Resources for Educators

The Be Internet Awesome curriculum gives educators the tools and methods they need to teach digital safety fundamentals. To access the resource, visit https://beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com/en_us/educators.

Conclusion

Aptly titled, this digital initiative from the Google is truly 'awesome' with engaging tools and resources designed for all ages. Children today being raised with technology, onus lies with the parents and teachers to create awareness on digital threats and attacks, and protect their digital rights in the online world. Anyone who has an access to internet connectivity can make use of these resources and gain much insight on exploring the online world safely and securely.

Source : Internet Awesome website