The Internet, aside from being a powerful and beneficial tool, poses a number of dangers to kids, teens and adults. As part of our violence prevention efforts, DPI is working to increase our community’s knowledge regarding Internet safety for ALL ages. Utilize these tools to help your students and other technology users to understand how safely navigate their world of technology.
Do you know about sexting?
Sex + Texting = Sexting
Under Florida law, sending an image of a minor (to both the sender and receiver) can result in criminal charges. When the image is of a minor (under 18), the student runs the risk of being registered as a sex offender. It can be considered distribution and/or possession of child pornography. Did you know…? “No cell phones with cameras and/or video recording devices are permitted in the locker room/restroom area” of ANY public restroom or place where there is the perception of privacy (locker-rooms, tanning booths, etc.). Video Voyeurism is seen as a first degree misdemeanor burglary and trespass in the state of Florida.
Want to know more about cyberbullying?
BCPS Social Media Use Guidelines
As per Policy 5306, Broward County Public Schools adheres to the belief that technology should play a vital role in meeting the needs of the broad range of abilities, disabilities, cultural backgrounds and ethnic populations represented in Broward District schools. To assure that technology shall a predominant role while being used in a safe and appropriate manner, BCPS has developed the Social Media Use Guidelines to provide direction for employees, students and the school district community when participating in online social media activities.
Internet Safety Resources and Links
Please Note: A program or website being mentioned here does not imply endorsement by the School Board of Broward County and does not necessarily reflect its views. Contact the program developers directly for the most current information.
B4UClick: B4UClick aims to create a way to educate, communicate, and provide a method of reporting online abuse to children and adolescents.
Chatting with Kids About Being Online, resource is from NetCetera and comes in multiple languages and with a Heads Up Booklet student guide as well.
Choose Peace, Stop Violence
Common Sense Media – Provides numerous Family Tip Sheets for parents as well as lessons on online safety, cyber citizenship, and cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying, The Complete Resource Guide
Cyberbullying Research Center: Provides numerous resources for both parents and students as well as the latest research on internet safety. Top 10 Tips Parents Cyberbullying Response
Cybercrimes National Crime Prevention Council
iKeepSafe.org Teaches basic rules of Internet safety to children and parents, reaching them online and in school.
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i-SAFE, Internet Safety Awareness and Education
NetCetera: The Net Cetera online toolkit offers free resources for teachers, parents and students which teach online safety. Resources include presentations to parents or teachers, student videos for the classroom, and free booklets for distribution.
NetSmartz 411 Parents’ and guardians’ premier, online resource for answering questions about Internet safety, computers, and the Web
SafeFlorida.net, a Florida website dedicated to fighting Cybercrime and supporting Cyber Safety.
Sextortion: If you believe you’re a victim of sextortion or know someone else who is, call your local FBI office or toll-free at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Sexual Predators Search
Stop Bullying Now!
Web Wise Kids: Web Wise Kids (WWK) is a national nonprofit organization that specializes in interactive computerized games on internet safety topics.