For over 50 years families have welcomed WFSU and PBS into their homes. You have come to expect the best of public television and radio when you tune into our stations. Now that we are in the 21st century, we know that online content is becoming the screen Floridians tune into more and more - especially our children!
That’s why we have created this online resource; we want to help you keep the virtual world a little bit safer, for you and your family.
There are lots of great games, safety apps and oodles of information for kids, parents and educators to check out! We’ve looked at many cyber safety resources and will attempt to bring you some of the most valuable resources right to this page – if you see something interesting, go ahead and click on it! Our goal is that your whole family will become a little bit more cyber savvy.
Where To Start
secureflorida.org
First thing's first! You, parents and educators, need to be aware of secureflorida.org. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has put secureflorida.org together and it has a lot of great information about staying safe online (best practices, tools and resources), social networking (creating profiles, cyber bullying and privacy), how-to’s (networks, new computers, browsers, domains, wireless and more). They even have a series of workshops that target issues for students, schools, parents, seniors and businesses. Please be sure to visit this site and use it!
Ages 5 - 8
Webonauts
If you know about PBSKids Island and are ready for some other online activities… this is the place for you! There are a few things you need to know about the internet before you go exploring, and make sure you take an adult with you on your virtual trips! One of the best things you can do is become a Webonaut. Play the game and print out your certificate.
Woogi world
Woogi World is a good game as well. It’s got some tricks built in which simulate real life – a good place to visit and learn with your child.
Ages 9 - 12
So, you’re a kid, and you’ve been going online for games and fun and all of a sudden… your dinosaur teachers start to give you assignments that require you to actually use the computer as a research tool! Get ready… soon you too will be spending hours in front of the computer and WORKING! Here are a few sites that can help you learn about the wonders of the world wide web. One of our favorite sites to learn about it safely actually comes from England.
Stop Cyberbullying
This site features a great flash video presentation defining cyberbulling and resources for all ages, a downloadable app called Alex Wonder, Kid CyberDetective, and makes an adventure out of cybersafety. The Alex Wonder app is best for children 8 – 12.
21 Things For Students - The Internet is Permanent
Super Site for creating the awareness in young people that what you say and show online is permanent! Digital posts cannot be erased; you have to be smart about what you are doing because it will follow you your entire lifetime. Visit this site to find out what we mean! (Ages 9 and up.)
Ages 13+
Alright… you’ve been a websurfer for years now, and you’ve been spending more and more time on social media. Maybe you already have a Facebook page or occasionally tweet. It is time to get serious about your safety!
Smokescreen
See if you can figure out what is going on in SMOKESCREEN.
Think u Know 11-16
How much do you know about how to have FUN, how to stay in CONTROL and how to REPORT? Think U Know?
Cyberbullying Reasearch Center
The Cyberbullying Research Center is dedicated to providing up-to-date information about the nature, extent, causes, and consequences of cyberbullying among adolescents. Cyberbullying can be defined as "willful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices." Many resources for download and discussion.
Make a Difference For Kids
Make a Difference for Kids, Inc. is non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization promoting awareness and prevention of cyberbullying and suicide through education. This site is a serious look at the growing number of children taking their own lives because of cyberbullying.
For Parents
PBS Kids
PBS has great information about Cyber Safety as well… so when you get some time, you can check out these sites:
AT HOME
There are hundreds of resources out there, and we will continue to update our favorite choices as they become available. Until then, pay attention to where your children are when they spend time online! Consider installing some safety applications that can help you pay attention even though you are not standing right there – here are some good choices:
Additional Resources
MobileMarketer.us
Guide to text and internet slang: “Communication is an important part of our daily lives... Though communication through these pieces of equipment can be beneficial, it is often done at the expense of parents and teachers, who are often unfamiliar with specific terms, symbols, or phrases... Educating teens on the do’s and don’ts of texting can be an effective way to prevent unwanted attention and ensure their safety.”
iNetGIANT
Information about online scams and how to protect yourself and your family from them.
Finally, you may feel like your children are speaking a language that you don’t understand… well, here is a great translator: Netlingo.
Esafety project
em-esafetyproject.co.uk
In the Grass, On the Reef Science isn't all lab coats and beakers! Trudge through the muck of our local salt marshes and oyster reefs - habitats crucial to our area's coastal flora and fauna - without getting your shoes dirty!
Can you find the hidden acorn?
Older kids can explore the United States in an educational web adventure! 
Create Your Space! Create your own profile, make unique buttons, see how fast you can help Captain Huggy Face match the antonyms, and more!
