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: 2025 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. | https://www.missingkids.org/ourwork/impact
NCMEC Parent’s Guide to Smartphone Safety | A practical guide to help parents understand smartphone risks and set boundaries to keep children safer online. Available in English and Spanish. | English | Español
NCMEC Safety Pledge Resource Toolkit | A series of resources to help parents and educators navigate online safety and education with children. | missingkids.org
ICAC: Sexting Prevention Tips for Parents and Youth | A quick guide to inform parents and children about the realities of sexting and how to stay safe. | Download PDF
Child Rescue Coalition: Tips for Parents for Combatting AI Risks | Guidance to help parents understand how generative AI is being used to exploit children online and what steps they can take to protect their kids. | childrescuecoalition.org
ConnectSafely Quick Guides for Parents | Concise, research-backed guides covering social media platforms, internet safety best practices, and gaming to help parents have informed conversations with their kids. | connectsafely.org
Refer to the “Children and Youth” section below for specific online safety resources to share with your kids and teens.
Internet & App Monitoring Tools
The following tools can help parents monitor and manage their children’s online activity:
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.
How to Set Internet Safety Controls | Step-by-step instructions for enabling parental controls and safe search settings across the most common browsers and devices, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, Apple, Android, and Google Family Link. | Windows | Microsoft Edge | Firefox | Google Safe Search | Chrome | Apple | Android | Safari | Google Family Link
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
THORN: Sextortion — Talk to Your Kids | A direct, age-appropriate resource that helps parents and trusted adults start the conversation about sextortion — what it is, how it happens, and what kids should do if it happens to them. | thorn.org
Reporting Online Exploitation
If you or someone you know has experienced online exploitation, these resources can help.
Take It Down | A free service that can help remove online nude, partially nude, or sexually explicit images and videos taken before the age of 18. | takeitdown.ncmec.org
DHS Blue Campaign: Understanding Youth Exploitation | A national public awareness resource designed to help the public, educators, and community partners recognize the indicators of human trafficking and respond appropriately. | Read the guide
To report online exploitation:
- NCMEC Cyber Tipline: cybertipline.org or call 1-800-843-5678
- Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733
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 [email protected].