Since 2004, the President of the United States and Congress have declared October to be Cybersecurity Awareness Month, helping individuals protect themselves online as threats to technology and confidential data become more commonplace. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA) lead a collaborative effort between government and industry to raise cybersecurity awareness nationally and internationally.
Children and youth are spending more time online than ever before. The internet can be a positive and beneficial tool. It allows them to:
- Utilize resources for learning and education.
- Connect with their peers and loved ones.
- Engage in entertainment (i.e., gaming or streaming music).
- Express themselves and build or develop their identity (Holloway et. al.; Uhls et. al.).
However, there are also dangers associated with internet and social media use. The NJDOE Child Abuse, Neglect, & Missing Children webpage provides an Online Safety Guide for Parents & Caregivers as well as a wonderful flyer.
