Top Five Internet Safety Games for Elementary Students

Kids will be kids, is how the saying goes. So what does that mean for children in elementary school who have near-constant access to the internet? Young students’ behavioral and cognitive development can increase their internet safety risks. The age-appropriate behaviors in grades 2-6 include the following:

• They want to do what older kids are doing.
• They are curious and interested in new information.
• They lack critical thinking skills.
• They are motivated to increase their social circle.
• They are influenced by media images and online personalities.
• They fear punishment and will not report to an adult if they have made a mistake.

When these common behaviors are coupled with the fact that elementary school students are growing up in an internet-pervasive world. There is an increased risk for this age group regarding internet safety. There are many exciting things for them to learn online, but also many dangers.

The Most Common Online Risks Associated with Children Ages 6-12

Children between the ages of 6-12 face a variety of online risks that parents and educators need to be aware of. These risks include exposure to inappropriate content, oversharing personal information, cyberbullying, and failure to inform an adult when they should, which can all have serious consequences if not properly addressed. Read on to learn more about these risks and why they’re common for this age group.

Exposure to Inappropriate Content

Access to information and friends anywhere in the world is exciting and tempting. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for a child to stumble onto pornographic material. There is also the risk that they could receive unsolicited images, videos or messages from other people that are not age-appropriate. This risk of exposure to inappropriate content is increased due to children being naturally curious and overly trusting.

Over-sharing Personal Information

This can be so easy to do for adults and children alike. Sharing your name, address, phone number, passwords, credit card number, or other personal information puts a person at risk of online identity theft. Sharing of images and videos can increase the risk of child sexual exploitation. Children who lack critical thinking skills and strive to be more like older children are at a higher risk of over-sharing. They are likely to enter their information freely if a website or new “friend” appears legitimate.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying, which is bullying that takes place over digital devices, can occur through social media, instant messaging, text, mobile apps, and online gaming communities. Children in elementary school are motivated to have a large social circle, both in person and online. As they grow and change, it is normal for these social circles to evolve. They will make new friends and drop old ones repeatedly. This transition pattern will begin in elementary school and peak in middle and high school. Although the ever-evolving friend group is normal behavior, it can lead to hurt feelings and strained relationships, which can lead to bullying.

Failure to Report

Failure to report when there is a problem is common for this age group. In a perfect world, if a child found themselves in a dangerous situation online, they would tell an adult. However, they don’t report the problem because they fear getting in trouble or being punished by having their device taken away. This can lead to children not telling a trusted adult when bad things happen.

For more detailed information on common online dangers and strategies for teaching internet safety, check out our blog Internet Safety Tips for Students: Top Threats & Tips for Teachers.

Internet Safety Games for Elementary Students

When looking at the risk associated with this age group and how their age-appropriate behaviors can put them at greater risk. It makes sense to also look at how their behaviors might be used to protect them. Elementary school-aged children are still learning through play. And the vast majority of elementary school children love playing games online. This makes playing internet safety games a strong contender as the best way to teach them about the risks associated with the internet. The games listed below are designed to do that.

Zoe & Molly Online

Zoe & Molly Online is a website operated by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection Inc. Children can read comic books, play games, or take a quiz on the website. If students do all three, they will become an internet safety master. The game is an interactive story requiring players to help the main character decide what action to take in various online situations.

CEOP Education

CEOP Education from the National Crime Agency in the UK has a website with games for children ages 4-7, 8-10 and 11-18. The games are interactive and easy to navigate. Topics covered include watching videos, sharing pictures, playing games, and chatting online. The ability to find games for different ages helps educators tailor the games for specific grade levels.

Interland by Google

Interland by Google has 4 sections. Reality River teaches about phishing and spotting fake information. Mindful Mountain teaches about the risk of sharing information. Tower of Treasure is about how to keep information safe. And the Kind Kingdom covers the importance of being kind online and how to block people who are not kind. The games are fun and interactive, with clear messages.

FBI Safe Online Surfing (SOS)

SOS is a grade-specific game for 3rd -8th grade students. The students answer questions and collect gold coins while exploring a map. The game covers concepts such as being cyber-friendly, appropriate sharing, securing your information and protecting yourself against predators. There is also a teacher signup that allows teachers to assign the game and have students take a test.

NetSmartzKids

NetSmartzKids is a website run by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. The website contains video and internet safety games for elementary students. They also have a large selection of coloring pages and other printable games that can be used in the classroom.

 

What should you look for when choosing an internet safety game for elementary students?

When choosing an internet safety game for elementary students, it’s important to find options that are both educational and engaging. The right game can teach children essential online safety skills while keeping them entertained and motivated to learn more. Below are some guidelines you should consider.

Variety

Find games that cover a variety of topics. The most common internet safety issues that elementary students face are exposure to inappropriate content, oversharing of personal information and cyberbullying. Other safety issues that would be beneficial include avoiding predators online, creating safe passwords, and recognizing scams.

Engaging

Find games that are engaging to young people. Look for games that use brightly colored characters that are goofy. This increases the fun factor. The game should show progress if the student is doing well, making them want to keep playing. Games with goals are also better. Kids are more motivated to finish if a game gives them a certificate after completing all levels. Choose learning topics that will make the students feel a sense of agency over their internet experiences. For example, if they learn to avoid oversharing, they will feel safer online.

Reputable

Find games on reputable websites such as the ones listed above. Look for websites that have a positive message for children, do not ask for personal information and are free.

The internet and the world of information it provides is a double-edged sword. Adults are walking a line between teaching students the perils and the benefits of this virtual world. Educators and parents need to know the risks associated with being online and ways to protect children, such as using internet safety games for elementary students.