Internet Safety Month: Digital Safety Depends on You – What Every Caring Adult Needs to Know and Do 

Internet Safety Month is an opportunity to pause, learn, and act. With more time spent online during summer months, we must ensure every child, parent, caregiver, educator, and youth leader is equipped to recognize risks and take preventative action. Below, we’ve gathered trusted resources for each key audience so you can confidently learn, engage, and help empower others. 

 

Resources for Parents and Caregivers 

Justice U™ Online Safety Toolkit | A practical guide to help parents understand online risks, such as grooming and exploitation, and how to talk to and protect their children. | learnwithjusticeu.com/parents 

InternetSafety101 Gaming Guide | A parent-friendly resource explaining how to use gaming platform settings to reduce online risks and monitor safe play. | internetsafety101.org/gamingsafetysettings 

Spotlight: Understanding Online Grooming and Trafficking Recruitment | A guide that explains how traffickers use online platforms to target youth, the warning signs to look for, and what steps parents can take to intervene. | Read the guide 

NCMEC: 2024 in Numbers | This annual report provides critical data and insights on emerging online exploitation trends, reinforcing the need for increased awareness and prevention at home. | missingkids.org/blog 

Refer to the “Children and Youth” section below for specific online safety resources to share with your kids and teens. 

 

Resources for Schools and Educators 

CISA K-12 Cybersecurity Toolkit | A government-issued set of recommendations and free tools to help schools strengthen cybersecurity and protect students’ digital environments. | View the toolkit 

MediaSmarts Digital Literacy Resources | Lesson plans and tip sheets to teach digital citizenship, critical thinking, and online etiquette across K-12 settings. | mediasmarts.ca 

Digital Matters Curriculum | Interactive modules and story-based learning activities that address topics like online identity, cyberbullying, and social media use, designed for in-classroom use. | internetmatters.org 

Refer to the “Children and Youth” section below for specific online safety resources to share with your students. 

 

Resources for Youth Leaders and Summer Programs 

Connect Our Kids | A relational toolset and outreach platform that equips those working with children and teens to build safe, supportive connections. | connectourkids.org 

AngelQ.ai | An AI-driven platform that flags potentially harmful or predatory online behaviors to help youth leaders identify and respond to threats early. | angelq.ai 

FOSI (Family Online Safety Institute) | Offers best practices and discussion tools for adults who engage youth in digital spaces, including camps, church programs, and faith-based events. | fosi.org 

Refer to the “Children and Youth” section below for specific online safety resources to share with your students and campers. 

 

Resources for Children and Youth 

NetSmartz | NCMEC’s digital safety program featuring age-appropriate videos, games, and lessons that teach children how to navigate online spaces safely and responsibly. | netsmartz.org/resources 

All Connected | A short-form animated series from Connect Our Kids created for youth who’ve experienced trauma, designed to build relational health. | Watch on YouTube 

#MyFriendToo | A nonprofit that helps kids and teens form safe online friendships and know how to support friends who may be experiencing harm or abuse. | myfriendtoous.org 

AFRJ® Student Council June Action Kit | A downloadable resource empowering students to raise awareness and take action to prevent human trafficking and online exploitation in their communities. | Download toolkit 

 

Whether you are a parent, teacher, coach, camp leader, or friend, your role in protecting kids online is vital. Internet Safety Month offers an opportunity to evaluate where we are, equip ourselves with the best tools available, and take intentional steps to protect youth in digital spaces – this month and every month. Let’s commit to being informed, proactive, and united in our efforts. 

To reach out to our team with questions or connect with Engage Together, email connect@engagetogether.com.