Customer Reviews

Cyber-Safe Kids, Cyber-Savvy Teens: Helping Young People Learn To Use the Internet Safely and Responsibly

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I wish there had been a book like this when my two boys were exploring the internet in the 90's. Things have gotten even more troubling for parents today and this book will help guide them through the difficult job of parenting in our new online world.

It is filled with great suggestions and a lot of information---and to be honest, some of it is very frightening from a parent's point of view. But if knowledge is power, this is a book that all parents should have when trying to navigate the very difficult job of parenting in this new and rapidly changing online world. There are sections for parents of younger children, 8-10 year olds, 11-13 year old, and 14-18 year olds. There are suggestions for "teachable moments" and how to guide your children to ethical and safe uses of this technology.

In my opinion this is a "must buy" book for parents and educators. Thank you, Dr. Willard.

Most folks are aware of such internet dangers as free-flowing pornography reachable by kids, but how many are aware of all the other dangers facing young ones such as identify theft, addictive gaming schemes (as time wasters and replacement for real world activities), the ability to down load term papers and other works so as to avoid homework, or, again, the rights of sites to do whatever they want with up-loaded materials, a condition which can cause extreme embarassment and even financial loss? Willard's excellent text deals with each potential danger accoding to type and age group. Each chapter begins with an incident demonstrating the danger (an excellent awareness-building tool, especially for those of us who had no idea this particular danger existed)followed by an analysis of what is involved in the danger, and then positive and usable advice for parents on how to prevent their children from falling prey to the danger. But make no misake, Willard is a strong advocate of the benefits of internet participation for children when they are properly supervised, and that does not mean peeking over their shoulder all the time. This positive attitude towards the internet, the while recommending non-invasive supervision is a remarkably well-developed strength of her book. She is not whining about the dangers or urging censorship as so many gloom and doom critics do; she is providing a positive means for parents to help their children make the most of their web experience, an experience critical to every youngster in this age of the cyper-reality of communication. (A prototype parent-child agreement is included, and should be a valuable tool for developing cooperation among family members). As an educator, I find this book an essential tool for all teachers and school administrators, and, of course all librarians, who need this background to appreciate the pitfalls which may occur in classrooms and reading areas and how to be aware and prevent them. And a school board will find this study an excellent reference for developing appropriate policies for the district.

I've worked with kids and computers since 1979. Nancy Willard is my go-to authority for encouraging children's safe and responsible Internet use. Her latest book is theoretically sound, well-researched and comprehensive (including the very latest technologies) and offers a practical approach to this serious issue. It's also well-organized, with recommendations for specific age groups. Nancy knows all about the dangers and benefits of going online, and CYBER-SAFE KIDS will help parents act as guides and mentors, not cyber-watchdogs.

I read Nancy's latest book, Cyber-Safe Kids, Cyber-Savvy Teens, on a flight this past week, partly because it's been sitting on my shelf for way too long, and partly because I knew I would be speaking a few days later to youth at a regional church meeting about technology in their lives. It is a great book on the Internet for parents, and don't miss the good material that she provides at her related website, www.cskcst.com, that you can download and distribute for teaching.

My audio interview with Nancy last year is here: http://audio.edtechlive.com/NancyWillard.mp3.

This book is a great guide for parents moving kids through the "web" of the internet. She gives specific suggestions for young kids (e.g., Have all of their kid-safe sites bookmarked. They can only go to bookmarked pages w/o mom or dad.) through late teens (Let them make mistakes on the 'net while still at home w/our support!). Perfect resource for me. Quick read. Reminds me not to blow up when a kid comes to me with some issue- or they won't come to me again! Nice parenting advice and cyber-guide. Recommend.

Nancy Willard is the pioneer of cyberbullying awareness and cyberbulling legal issues. This book absolutely must be in the library of any person concerned about cyberbullying and cyberthreats.

Willard, one of the leading experts in the field of cyberbullying, provides very useful Internet parenting strategies and age-appropriate guidelines in an easy-to-read, inviting format. She looks at issues such as the wide appeal of social networking sites, privacy, and commercial aspects of the Internet, and also provides insight into brain development, how technology can interfere with responsible decision making, and suggests strategies that parents can use to help young people make wise choices in the cyber world. Parents will appreciate the section on "Specific Risks and Concerns," which includes online pornography, cyberbullying, violent gaming, computer security concerns, and more. Willard also provides ways for parents to encourage their children to engage in enriching online activities. A "Parent-Teen Internet Use Agreement" is included in the Appendices. While clearly addressing the risks, Willard never loses sight of the many positive aspects of the Internet, and provides practical ways for parents to connect collaboratively with their children in the cyber world. As a professional in the field of cyberbullying,I appreciate the useful contribution this book represents. Thank you.

Nancy Williard is active in Cyber Bullying prevention and has a variety of books and articles on the topic. This book was used for reference in my masters thesis on cyber bullying prevention. It will also be an excellent source for parenting children in the cyber age.