Internet Safety Games to Help Kids Become Cyber Smart
In today’s highly digital society, it’s of utmost importance to teach our kids about online safety. One way to do this is through the use of games that make learning about internet safety fun and engaging. These games can help kids understand the dangers involved with going online and how to protect themselves from online predators, cyberbullying, and other online crimes. Here are some popular internet safety games to help kids become cyber smart.
1. Interland by Google: This game is designed to teach children about four key principles of digital citizenship: being internet smart, being internet alert, being internet strong, and being internet kind. Kids will complete different levels of the game and activities such as protecting their personal information, dealing with cyberbullies, and identifying scams and phishing schemes.
2. CyberSense and Nonsense: This game features Ruff Ruffman, the animated dog from the PBS Kids show. The game focuses on teaching kids about how to stay safe while online, including how to create strong passwords, how to identify spam and scams, and how to avoid scams and phishing attempts.
3. Disney’s Surf Swell Island: This online game is designed for younger children, teaching them important internet safety lessons through fun games and activities. It teaches kids about how to protect their personal information by avoiding sharing with strangers and online grooming.
4. Privacy Playground: The game is specifically created by the Cyberspace Safety and Education Association, and is designed to instruct children from the ages of 9 to 12 years old the basics of online security, including online privacy issues, and how to avoid becoming victims to hackers.
5. Spectrum Shield: This game helps kids gain a better understanding of cybersecurity by teaching them the risks of online dangers and the importance of having strong passwords for all their online accounts. The game also contains fundamental cybersecurity practices, such as always downloading reputable software and keeping all software up to date.
These internet safety games are a fun, safe, and engaging way to teach kids important online safety lessons early on. They make learning about digital citizenship approachable, interesting, and interactive. Incorporating such games in school curriculums as well as home environments can help kids understand how to be responsible digital citizens and keep themselves safe on the Internet. Through playing Internet safety games, children can develop their critical thinking, making informed decisions when online, and practice confidently protecting their personal information.