Internet Safety Resources for Parents
Image description: Man sitting at a desk with a laptop, using the internet.
Here is a list of resources and websites that offer guidelines and information on internet safety for parents of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Each of these resources provides a unique perspective or set of guidelines on ensuring internet safety for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The resources range from event-based learning, institutional guidelines, to online toolkits and curricula. Through a mix of these resources, parents can amass a well-rounded understanding of internet safety for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities:
1. This post outlines five crucial tips to help ensure the online safety of neurodiverse individuals. It aims to educate parents on how they can create a safer digital environment for their children, emphasizing the importance of open communication, monitoring online activities, utilizing safety features and privacy settings, and educating children on the potential dangers online. The blog also stresses the importance of teaching children about the permanence of online actions to promote responsible digital behavior. This resource is a helpful guide for parents seeking practical advice on managing internet safety for their children with special needs: https://stephensplace.org/blog/5-internet-safety-for-your-child-with-special-needs
2. This comprehensive guide aims to equip parents with the necessary knowledge and tools to create a safer streaming experience for kids on platforms like YouTube. It delves into various topics including understanding the potential risks associated with internet streaming, setting up parental controls, and utilizing kid-friendly platforms. The blog also provides step-by-step instructions on how to configure safety settings on YouTube and other streaming platforms to ensure a child-friendly viewing experience. By providing practical advice alongside actionable steps, this guide serves as a valuable resource for parents looking to navigate the challenges of internet safety in the streaming realm: https://www.safetydetectives.com/blog/parents-guide-for-safe-youtube-and-internet-streaming-for-kids/
3. Understanding Internet Safety for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Hosted by The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute, this online event provided insights on internet safety for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities: https://www.williams-syndrome.org/files/paragraphs/pdf/Internet_Use_and_Online_Safety.pdf
4. Internet Safety for Your Special Needs Child: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia provides guidelines on internet safety for children with special needs including those with Down syndrome. The topics covered include cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate material, and interactions with online predators. Find more at https://www.chop.edu/resources/internet-safety-your-special-needs-child
5. Internet Safety - Pathfinders for Autism: Pathfinders for Autism offers resources including the NetSmartz Workshop, a program by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, as well as a guide for parents from Autism Speaks covering topics like stranger danger, internet safety, and more. Check out their program here: https://pathfindersforautism.org/resources/safety/internet-safety/
6. Internet Safety Curriculum by Mont Co. Board of Dev Disabilities: This curriculum offers a five-part psychoeducational series on internet safety, designed to be used in a small group setting or on an individual basis. More information can be found at https://www.mcbdds.org/619/Internet-Safety-Curriculum
Have you found any great health and safety or any other resources that would be great to share with our community? Please email us to let us know so that we may add this to our resource database. Thank you from the team at Stephen’s Place!