Last week, we talked about rules that we follow in order to stay safe both on and offline. We agreed to follow these 3 easy rules:
1. Always get permission from an adult before you go online.
2. Only talk to people that you know.
3. Stick to sites that are right for you.
This week, we are going to focus on the third rule: Stick to sites that are right for you. One way children can keep safe online is by using the website traffic light. A regular traffic light tells people who are driving cars when they need to go, slow down, or stop. In the same way, the website traffic light helps people who are visiting websites think about whether it’s okay to go somewhere (or not).
A “green light” website is:
• A good site for kids your age to visit
• Fun, with things for you to do and see
• Has appropriate words
• Doesn’t let you talk to people you don’t know
A “yellow light” website is:
• A site you are not sure is right for you
• One that asks for information such as who you are, where you live, your phone number or email address, etc.
• A place where you are allowed to communicate freely with others
A “red light” website is:
• A site that is not right for you
• A place you might have gone to by accident
• Filled with things that are for older kids or adults
Check out some of the sites in the boxes below. They are examples of “green light” sites because they are fun, they help you to learn, and they are meant for kids like you.
Second graders, please log in to your Google account and add an example of a green light site that you think other WOS kids might enjoy.