Cyber Safety Videos for Kids (K through 8th Grade)

Michigan's Cyber Safety Initiative

Click on the Above Link to Access the Cyber Safety Videos for Kids.

The state of Michigan has a strong cyber-security program and put together age appropriate videos designed for kids from:

• Kindergarten to 1st Grade
• 2nd and 3rd Grade 
• 4th and 5th Grade
• 6th through 8th Grade

Discussion: Unfortunately, technology has outpaced most parent's ability to understand it, use it, and safely monitor and supervise their children's use of the Internet and information technology (iPhone, iPads, etc.). Most children spend long hours unsupervised on the Internet...? It has become a virtual "pacifier"and some parent's allow their children to have computer access in their rooms under the guise of privacy. I strongly recommend kids have computer access in an open area where parents can freely move through and view what is going on. Parent's don't need to be defensive in supervising what their kid's are doing on the Internet. Searching the computer's history and putting age appropriate parental controls is important, and the child use needs to be transparent. You should have access to their accounts, passwords, and sites - if not then do not let them use it. (It is a privilege, not a right) One parent said, "if any electronic information comes into my home or leaves out of my home, I have every right to know what it is, and if my child doesn't like it they don't get to use the Internet!" Many parent's act as if it is a child's right to have Internet privacy. The next step is teaching them digital citizenship and cyber safety. This will translate to making them adults who are more aware of Identity Theft and other Cyber threats.

Final Comment: What we teach our student's and kid's about the Internet is what they will take into adulthood. This is how we keep our schools and society safer and more secure.