When the internet was first born, who could have predicted its pervasiveness? Now with its increasingly widespread use in e-learning, education and storytelling, it’s important for educators and parents to be aware of its influence, and to ensure young ones are digitally savvy.

School-age children are more likely to watch videos and play games on the internet, so online safety risks can be more prevalent for this age group. To ensure safe online use, parents can use the internet alongside their children, to check websites before allowing use, and can also install child-friendly search engines and parental controls.

We go to great efforts to ensure Story Box Library is a safe, secure and trusted digital resource, suitable for school-age children, available ad-free to all subscribing libraries, schools and their communities. 

To assist educators, parents and other mentors with teaching children how to be safe and aware on the internet, we’ve put together our top five resources, from online games for young ones to play themselves, to practical guides for educators and parents.

Be Internet Awesome

Developed by Google, Interland is an online game that teaches children digital safety on the internet, through an interactive adventure battling hackers, phishers, oversharers and online bullies. Using practical skills, they will learn how to be good digital users. Click here for more info and to play the game.

eSafety

An initiative by the Australian Government, the eSafety website is full of practical resources, for educators, parents and children. Via a bright and accessible user-interface, children can learn how to ‘Be an eSafe kid’, parents can find helpful information and guides, and classroom resources for all ages have been designed to assist educators. Visit the eSafety website to find out more. 

Beacon: Cyber Safety app

Created by Telethon Kids, and available on the Apple and Google Play store, this app shines a light on the online world, helping parents keep children safe online. With articles,videos and tailored content, it provides parents and carers with the tools and information they need to help children stay safe online. Learn more about Beacon and download the app here.

Safer Internet Day

Bringing awareness to safe internet use, Safer Internet Day falls on 9 February annually. The focus of the day this year is to ‘Start the chat’ among the school community, friends and family, and within the workplace, Safer Internet Day offers an opportunity for everyone to engage in digital safety, including steps specifically designed for Educator use, when working with young children, complete with activities complementing story books. Visit the event on the eSafety website for more information, and additional resources.

ThinkUKnow

Created in collaboration with the Australian Federal Police, ThinkUKnow is a national program delivering online child safety information in schools and organisations to parents, carers, teachers and students from the first year of school to Year 12. Visit the ThinkUKnow website to find out more about the program. Suitable for viewing with 9-12 year olds, a video of Constable Kenny the Koala explains how to stay safe when using the computer.

Story Box Library is a safe, secure and trusted digital resource, suitable for school-age children, available ad-free to all subscribing libraries, schools and their communities. 

To find out more about a SBL subscription, or a free 30-day trial for your school or library, contact us here.