Google wants to prepare kids to be excellent decision makers by launching ‘Be Internet Awesome.’ This initiative educates young online users about the basics of digital citizenship and internet safety so they can confidently and safely explore the online world.
‘Be Internet Awesome’ is Google’s latest effort in a series of initiatives that promotes the world wide web as a positive and safe place for everyone. The company developed the program in collaboration with online safety partners like the Internet Keep Safe Coalition, the Family Online Safety Institute, and Connect Safely.
The highlight of this effort is Interland, a web-based game the technology giant designed to make learning internet safety more fun for kids. The virtual game was designed to facilitate an online adventure that would incorporate and teach digital safety lessons through four challenging types of games, which make gamers face and overcome hackers, phishers, bullies, and even over-sharers.
1) Tower of Secrets
A game that teaches kids effective ways to protect their selves from hackers when going online.
2) Kind Kingdom
Designed to help kids to identify and report bullies they meet virtually, this game mandates players to collect hearts and tools that would aid them when spreading kindness to special characters they would meet in the game.
3) Reality River
Being aware of all the fake things that abound online is the goal of this game. As the name suggests, this challenge brings players into a virtual world where they must develop the skill in identifying what is real from fake.
4) Mindful Mountain
‘Think before you click or share’ is the main lesson imparted by this special game. It teaches kids how to be mindful before sharing anything online.
Aside from Interland, ‘Be Internet Awesome’ spreads online safety fundamentals through The Internet Code of Awesome, which can be summed up as follows:
Be Internet Smart: Share with Care
• Encourage thoughtful sharing by treating online communication just like face-to-face interaction.
• Establish guidelines about the type of communication that is appropriate and acceptable.
• Learn how to keep personal details private.
Be Internet Alert: Don’t Fall for Fake
• Kids must be aware that across the internet, people and situations are not always as they seem. Online safety is attained by developing the skill to discern what is real and what is fake.
Be Internet Strong: Secure Your Secrets
• Whether online or offline, personal privacy as well as security is always important. Kids must realize that safeguarding valuable information about their selves, their family, and their friends can help spare their devices, relationships, and reputations from possible damage.
Be Internet Kind: It’s Cool to be Kind
• The Golden Rule applies: Treat others the way you want to be treated. This way, kids are taught not to adopt bullying behavior online and instead help create and spread positive online experience for others.
Be Internet Brave: When in Doubt, Talk It Out
• Kids must realize that it is always more advisable to talk about questionable things with an adult they trust. Thus, open communication should be fostered at home and in school.