You spoke, We listened!
Our Fall 2022 School of Excellence survey showed that Whittier parents/guardians want more PTA-sponsored learning and sharing opportunities. A specific topic of interest was Internet/Digital Safety. Your PTA is hard at work organizing a series of engagement opportunities on Internet Safety for parents/guardians/staff!
Take a look below for more information and resources.
Upcoming Events
★ Digital Safety for Parents Webinar★
IL Attorney General, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC)
Thank you for those who joined us on Thursday, April 4th at 7:00pm for a free virtual presentation hosted by your PTA! Karilyn Orr, Internet Safety Specialist at the Illinois Attorney General’s Office (ICAC Task Force) presented valuable information to parents/guardians on how to stay safe and avoid online risks. The recording and slides are included below. Topics included:
- Safe Accounts & Privacy Settings
- Cyberbullying & Digital Citizenship
- Image Sharing & Predatory Risks
- Sexting & (S)extortion
Recording of April 2024 Webinar
Handouts and QR codes from April 2024 Webinar
Please see below for additional resources provided by the Illinois Attorney General Office (Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force).
★ Other Internet Safety Resources ★
For more resources from ICAC office:
https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/onlinesafe/
To report to the CyberTipline:
https://report.cybertip.org/
For sextortion hand-outs:
https://www.icactaskforce.org/search-results?sort=Alphabetical&content=Resources
For media reviews and information:
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/
ESRB Parental Control Guide:
https://www.esrb.org/tools-for-parents/parental-controls/
FOSI Tips for Good Digital Parenting:
https://www.fosi.org/good-digital-parenting/7-steps-good-digital-parenting
Below you will find a list of trusted organizations that provide information, guidance and tools on internet/digital safety for our children.
WEBSITES
- National PTA (Be Internet Awesome): This page provides more information on our solutions for families and provides you with the tools to begin having conversations with your kids on how to safely and smartly navigate the internet and explore the world of online video.
- Illinois Attorney General (Online Safe, Online Smart): Parents often need support to help youth make responsible choices online and to understand the potential impact of their choice in the real world. The resources here are designed to keep you informed about new trends and threats so you can guide your child’s online experiences.
- Illinois PTA Juvenile Protection & Safety Program Ideas: A list of resources to ensure child safety and protection, including online.
- IL PTA (2021): Keeping Your Kids Safe Online – The Smart Talk and Parental Controls
- IL PTA (2020): Parents’ Guide to TikTok
- IL PTA (2019): Teaching Your Kids Safe Online
- Grit2: A local non-profit organization connecting local parents and teens with mental wellness education and support to help flourish in today’s world by connecting them and the community with information, tools and resources.
- ConnectSafely: A nonprofit organization dedicated to educating people about online safety, privacy, security and digital wellness. Resources include research-based safety tips, parents’ guidebooks, advice, news and commentary on all aspects of tech use and policy.
WEBINARS/SEMINARS
PODCASTS
- ConnectSafely: A regular podcast featuring guests from education, social media companies, health care, mental health, and other fields. Topics include parenting and working from home, tips on technology tools and general discussions about the day’s pressing events and issues.
- Notes from the Backpack: The National PTA’s Podcast. Through the unique combination of expert, parent and educator guests, each episode features engaging conversations that offer real-life advice and ideas on how to support children’s learning and development—all in parent-friendly language.
