The digital era has provided countless opportunities for children to learn, interact, and have fun through the internet. However, with these opportunities comes an increasing need to educate kids on online safety. Internet safety games are an engaging way to teach children about protecting themselves in the digital world. Here, we have gathered 10 timely and relevant internet safety games that will help kids develop safe online habits.
1. Interland by Google
Interland is an immersive web game designed by Google to teach kids about internet safety in a creative and interactive way. It covers topics such as phishing, online security, and digital etiquette through various gamified challenges.
2. The Cyber-Five
In this animated game, players must help the Cyber-Five team protect their computer from threats like cyberbullies, hackers, and viruses. It comes complete with a Cyber-Five pledge for kids to take after they complete the game.
3. NetSmartzKids Videos and Games
This collection of videos, games, and activities from NetSmartz Workshop covers a wide range of online safety topics for kids aged 5-17. They tackle subjects such as cyberbullying, privacy, online strangers, and gaming in a light-hearted yet informative manner.
4. ThinkUKnow Online Adventure Game
By solving different puzzles and quizzes, players must navigate their way through this adventure game while learning important lessons on staying safe online. Created by the UK law enforcement’s Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP), this game is geared towards 8-10-year-olds.
5. Be Internet Awesome by Family.ca
This game from Family Channel Canada uses whimsical characters to explain crucial aspects of internet safety such as staying safe on social media and identifying potentially dangerous websites.
6. Digital Passport by Common Sense Media
Digital Passport is an award-winning suite of interactive games aimed at teaching kids aged 8-12 the fundamentals of digital citizenship and online safety. Topics include cyberbullying, privacy, communication, and security.
7. Kidsmart Adventure Games
These games from the UK-based online safety organization Kidsmart are designed to teach students aged 7-11 about various aspects of online safety, such as email security, protection from viruses and malicious software, copyright law, and navigating social media safely.
8. CyberScene – An E-Safety Game
Players must navigate their way through a virtual world with different scenarios highlighting the risks associated with being online. This game tackles subjects like personal information disclosure and cyberbullying, using a visually appealing interface to engage kids.
9. e-Buddies Mobile App
This mobile app game developed by The Office of the eSafety Commissioner in Australia is designed for children aged 10+. e-Buddies aims at educating kids about potential risks while gaming online, such as exposure to inappropriate content and contact with strangers.
10. SafeSurf Online Safety Quiz
This interactive quiz tests children’s knowledge on various online safety topics, including social media privacy settings and avoiding scams. It is an excellent resource for parents or educators to use as a starting point when discussing internet safety with kids.
By engaging in these intriguing games and activities, children develop critical skills to navigate an increasingly digital world safely. Educating kids about internet safety not only ensures that they can avoid potential dangers but also empowers them to become responsible digital citizens in the future.
