Be Internet Awesome is a new program on online safety and behavior released by Google.
Google just recently launched a new program, aimed at children but also helpful for parents, which should help them take “smart decision online”. Named “Be Internet Awesome”, it is a new way of trying to prevent and protect against internet trolling, phishing, and malware, to name just a few.
Be Internet Awesome Is Looking to Ensure its Users’ Online Protection
Google states that: “To make the most of the Internet, kids need to be prepared to make smart decisions. Be Internet Awesome teaches kids the fundamentals of digital citizenship and safety so they can explore the online world with confidence.”
Google was joined, in its new initiative, by three other partners, namely the Family Online Safety Institute, ConnectSafely, and the Internet Keep Safe Coalition. The “Be Internet Awesome” program will look to develop and encourage the idea of digital security and also a safe and positive online citizenship.
To do so, it offers an online learning game, video series which can be watched by kids together with their parents, and also a 48-page curriculum, useful for schools and teachers. These games, tools, and content should help show kids how to behave and also protect themselves when online.
Be Internet Awesome targets five key lessons, one of which teaches what and how to safely share content online. Others focus on online privacy and secrecy and also point out the need for showing kindness and understanding when online. Key lessons also include the exercise of critical thinking so that the children can judge for themselves the veracity of digital content. Also, another key element targets specific issues which can make users cast doubt among themselves.
The lessons are designed in an interactive way so as to capture the children’s attention. For example, the program includes “Interlander” which comes with four minigames. One of them will teach kids how to set up secure passwords or how to protect themselves against hackers.
Reality River comes with ten multiple-choice questions developed to help identify what and also who to trust online. Mindful Mountain highlights and stresses the importance of sharing data only with people that you trust. Kind Kingdom is looking to educate children on being nice while online and trolling.
Be Internet Awesome’s curriculum also includes reported real-life problems caused by the Internet, or online-related issues and how to best deal with them.
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