These days, the internet offers us plenty of excellent opportunities. While studying in school and college, students can use it to conduct research, learn new information, meet new people, communicate, and do lots of other things. As an adult, they will rely on the web in their work and personal life. The opportunities are nearly endless. But the sad truth is that, along with all its glory, the internet also holds a lot of threats, dangers, and challenges.
Online hazards range from bullying and violent content to identity theft, kidnapping, and murder. Knowing how to prevent and handle such threats is a MUST in today’s world. At least one instance of cyberbullying is reported by around 25% of children and online exploitation increased 97% last year. So it’s crucial to teach kids the basics of digital literacy and safety before they discover the full power of the web and start using it.
In this article, an expert essay writer online by DoMyEssay paper writing service will share with you the top eight gaming activities that will help you teach even the youngest kids digital safety in an easy and fun way.
1. Cyber-Five
This short animation is meant for very young students to help them learn the basic rules of internet use. In the course of the game, youngsters will meet two fun characters – Hippo and Hedgehog, that will explain to them how to use the web in a safe and efficient way. At the end of the game, there is also a small quiz to help retain the information better.
2. Safe Online Surfing
The next exciting game is available on the SOS FBI website. The game was developed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation to prevent cybercrime and help young students acquire the skills they need to be better cyber citizens. On the website, there are six different games meant for grades 4th through 8th. Every game teaches students a different skill to promote their security on the internet. The site is available in English and Spanish.
3. Internet Safety Lesson Plans
Common Sense Education has developed a range of lesson plans intended to help teachers educate their students on internet safety. On the organization’s website, educators and parents can find 23 interactive and engaging lesson plans meant for students from the 1st to the 12th grade. The lesson plans include lectures, games, and lots of other activities and cover all topics related to digital literacy and safety, from gaming and privacy to big data and red flags in chatting.
4. Cloud Quest and Into the Cloud
The next one on our list is an educational program on online safety developed by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). The primary goal of this program is to teach young students when they should get suspicious and how to ensure their safety while online. The program consists of a number of videos and interactive activities meant for different grade levels. On top of that, on the NCMEC site, there is plenty of engaging and helpful information on digital literacy and safety.
5. Natterhub
Natterhub is another awesome tool for digital literacy and safety activities. While not free, it does provide an extensive curriculum and very professional platform. This platform mimics popular social media apps, which makes it very exciting and fun for younger students. But when you delve deeper, this social network is all about learning online safety. On this platform, students can learn a lot of new and important information related to safe and effective internet use.
6. Finn Goes Online
This is probably one of the most exciting apps to help kids learn online safety. The main character, Finn the fox, takes students on a fun adventure to the digital world, where they together learn about passwords, security, cyberbullying, and other important topics related to digital literacy. The game is available for android and iOS and is great for kids of 7 years and more.
7. Online Safety Jigsaw Puzzle
This online puzzle game is offered by Twinkl. It’s great for beginner web users, which is why teachers often choose it for younger students. Through piecing the puzzle together, students will learn the basics of digital safety and literacy. Also, on the Twinkl website, they can find a variety of other related games, puzzles, posters, worksheets, and other activities that will help them become better digital citizens.
8. Privacy On Patrol Squad (POPS)
Patrol Squad, also known as POPS, is a free online educational curriculum created to teach kids online safety. The program is meant for students between grades 2-5. Inside the program, there are many important topics, such as password strength, data privacy, cyber security, and much more. There are also lots of fun interactive activities to keep students engaged while they learn new things about the web.
The Bottom Line
Without any doubt, digital literacy and safety are two vital skills every young person must learn. Knowing how much people rely on the internet throughout their lives, it’s obvious that we need to start educating kids about digital literacy as early as possible.
Unfortunately, as we all know, getting the youngest students engaged in such complex and seemingly boring subjects isn’t easy. But not anymore. After reading this article, you have a list of great programs, games, and activities that will help you teach kids under 10 the basics of online safety in a fun and simple way. Be sure to give each of these handy tools a try!
