Safety Lessons by the Media Awareness Network
Kids need to understand the unique nature of the Internet. They also need to develop critical-thinking skills — to protect their personal privacy and safety online. It is important to teach them to distinguish between fact and opinion, and to recognize online hate if they encounter it.
The Media Awareness Network has created educational games and interactive student modules (complete with extensive Teacher’s Guides) to help kids to develop these skills. MNet is a Canadian non-profit organization that has been pioneering the development of media literacy programs since its incorporation in 1996.
The games are:
- Privacy Playground: The First Adventure of the Three Little CyberPigs (for ages 8-10)
In this first adventure, the CyberPigs learn about online marketing, and about protecting their privacy as they surf the Internet. - CyberSense and Nonsense: The Second Adventure of the Three CyberPigs (for ages 9-12)
In their second adventure, the CyberPigs explore the world of chat rooms and learn to distinguish between fact and fiction, and to detect bias and harmful stereotyping in online content. - Jo Cool or Jo Fool (for grades 6-8)
This interactive online game takes students through a series of mock sites that test their savvy surfing skills. The game ends with an online quiz that provides even more in-depth information.
