FBI Safe Online Surfing program teaches kids about online risks

PHOENIX — The FBI is helping parents make the internet a safe zone for their children through an interactive online program.

The FBI’s Safe Online Surfing (SOS) Internet Challenge offers a free game-driven curriculum online that teaches students in grades three through eight about online risks.

“In this new internet age, information is at our fingertips and it’s a great place to be,” said Martin Hellmer, supervisory special agent for the FBI’s Phoenix office. “However, there are many dangers online and we want children and young adults to be aware of what those dangers are.”

The program covers age-appropriate topics, such as cyberbullying, appropriate use of social media, protecting personal information, and recognizing trustworthy sites.

As part of the program, students visit an island online that aligns with their grade level. They can surf through various activities that team them how to recognize and respond appropriately.

For the first time this year, the entire curriculum is available in Spanish.

Last year, more than 906,000 students nationwide participated in the FBI’s SOS Internet Challenge. In Arizona, nearly 6,700 students participated last year.

“We hope to meet that goal this year and hopefully exceed it,” Hellmer said.

Students can register online to participate in the program.

Teachers can also register their classrooms and participate in competitions. Each month, classes with the top scores will get a certificate and be congratulated in person by a local FBI personnel.

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