We are living in a digital world and I have a digital family. Technology and the internet is everywhere in our lives. My kids play on tablets and use apps daily. They have computer class at school where they are online. They love to watch Netflix using the Wii. I am online a ton for my blog. The internet is on our phones. I am constantly sharing photos on my social media sites, some of which include my family. The internet is woven into my family’s lives, so internet safety is important. We have to be conscious about our choices so that we can have fun and utilize the internet while being safe. With safe choices I can share fun photos like this one above.
This is a family blog where I talk about family life and naturally share photos of my family. I tend to not use my children’s names even when I share their photos. I do this as a small act of protection. I think a lot of us are aware of the dangers of the internet, but instead of thrusting those on my children we talk about ways to be safe while having fun!
Most of the apps and websites my children use on a computer or on our tablets have child safeties in place. Some need adult permission to sign in, others have time limits, some have limited content based on age, others have profiles for each child so the apps knows what is appropriate. I really love that in this day and age people are concerned with safety enough to have built it into the system. Now these safety nets are awesome, but there is still some education that has to go along with it. At school my kids learn about the internet and how fun it can be, but their computer teacher also teaches them about safety. They have learned not to tell anyone their name or address while online. At this point in their lives they haven’t ever even been on a site that would allow them to “chat” with others, but they are learning the rules now to be used later. After they learn these things at school they come home and talk about. I can continue to teach them about those things at home. Sometimes things get confusing for them because their internet rules are different from mine. They are not to give out their address to anyone online, yet as a blogger I give my address to companies so I can receive products or payments. We talk about that kind of thing a lot so they understand the differences.
National PTA and Lifelock have partnered together to help educate families on ways they can make safe internet decisions while still being able to game, socialize, share, watch and more! This #ShareAwesome campaign is smart and fun! It also is part of a really fun contest!
Snap a photo of an awesome moment in your day and share it on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram with the #ShareAwesome hashtag!
Students who enter the #ShareAwesome contest between September 15 – November 30, 2014 will have a chance to win fantastic prizes, including tablets and a $2,500 scholarship!
The internet is a fantastic way to influence the world. We have to continue to #ShareAwesome and be a positive influence for those around us. Join the campaign, visit the website and participate in the movement!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Dawn says
So important for us to think about this and make safe decisions when it comes to our kids and the digital world!
Jenn says
I am all for things that keep us all safe online, especially our children.
melissa k says
this is so important and a constant battle in my house to keep our children safe when online.
Janell Poulette says
This is a great campaign. You have to be so careful.