Online Child Safety

Today, more children have access to technology than ever before. Studies show that over 80% of minors own at least one form of new media technology, such as a cell phone or a computer. These devices have done a great deal to connect our communities, but they have also exposed users—and especially children, who often go online without supervision—to new risks.

Online abuse can take many different forms, from cyberbullying and hacking attacks to unwanted sexual solicitation. The harm from these activities is serious and can affect the entire community. Kids who go online without the tools and the guidance they need to protect themselves become more vulnerable to sexual exploitation and identity theft. Cyberbullying is correlated with high truancy rates and lower performance at schools, and it can cause anxiety and chronic depression in the victims.

There is a great deal we can do to create a safer, more inclusive online environment for the most vulnerable members of our society. This is why Attorney General Harris has made online child safety one of her top priorities, including targeting criminals who exploit children online and advocating for digital safety education in schools across the state. This website offers guides, games, and other educational tools to help parents, students, and educators create a safer online environment.

Please look for the following resources, among others:

• For parents:
• Start with the Guide to Cyberbullying and the Cyberbullying Warnings Signs pages. They include information from trusted resources which can help parents understand and take action on cyberbullying.
• Also check out the Text-Chat quiz, to see if you can decipher common acronyms used by kids online.
• Be sure to check out the examples of family online safety contracts. These contracts are a good way to start a conversation about digital safety with your family.
• Also look through our other resources page for other helpful sources of information.
• For students:
• Kids should check out the educational videos on cyberbullying and online safety.
• Teens should look through our digital self defense guide, which includes tips and tricks on how to protect yourself from bullying or online harassment
• Also look at our tips and resources on reporting abuse on social network sites, cell phones, and other places.
• For educators:
• Attorney General Harris strongly believes in the importance of teaching digital citizenship in schools. Our tips for educators are a good place to start. Also look at the useful resources provided by other organizations cited in our other resources page.