It's never too early to teach children how to use the Internet safely. Virginia Tech has developed an activity book that allows elementary school students to participate in age-appropriate ways.
Cyber Snack Adventure in Cyber Security Communicate your message to children with activities and coloring pages using fun cartoon characters.
The activity book was developed by university faculty. Virginia Tech National Security Institute They collaborated with other experts, Travis and Christine Billingsley, to devise activities, character backstories, and educational information. Illustrator Chris Fleming brought the characters to life.
“This book covers topics such as protecting your personal information online and not clicking on sketchy links, but uses cute animals to explain these topics in a way that even young children can understand. It explains things so kids will pay attention,” said director Stephanie Travis. Senior Military University Cyber Institute At Virginia Tech's National Security Institute.
This book includes an Internet Safety Pledge for children to sign after reading the book.
“Kids are getting online faster and faster now,” Travis said. “I don't think that's necessarily a good or bad thing, but you should be prepared for the dangers you might encounter online.”
The team also developed an introductory video and a parent guide that includes videos and additional resources.
“I understand that it's hard to know where to start when talking to kids about these topics. I have a background cyber security It can still be difficult,” Travis said.
“We hope the activity book opens doors and provides parents with a resource to start the conversation.”
This project was developed with funding from the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity and a GenCyber grant from the National Science Foundation.
