Google’s Online Safety Roadshow makes stop in North Dakota

CASSELTON, N.D. (KVRR) –Google travels around the region for this event to give children the ability to get the most out of all online tools. 

The Be Internet Awesome criteria has been developed for years and is presented at all stops on Google’s tour. 

“The be internet awesome curriculum which was developed by industry and educators over the past couple years to talk about being smart and safe online and equipping these students especially at this age with the tools they need to develop a strong password, share the content they have with care and if they ever have an issue to talk with a trusted adult and make sure we’re just as kind in person it’s equally important to be kind online.” Said Google’s head of public policy and external affair Dan Harbeke.

The presentation gives kids online safety tips so they can explore the positive information the internet has to offer while having the tools to avoid the negative that comes with it.

Google also discussed mental effects of the internet. How much screen time you consume, and how does the content you are consuming make you feel while you are watching and after you turn the device off. 

With technology being more incorporated into our everyday lives this presentation becomes more important each year.

“It takes everybody right. I mean I think about when I was growing up when I was their age online was a new thing, well it’s not so new anymore. We’re all online more and more and so having that digital literacy at this age is only becoming more important. There’s a lot of tools and resources out there but talking this morning with these folks to develop smart safe practices online. You have to start somewhere and we’re glad to be doing it in Cassleton.” Said Harbeke. 

And whether we like it or not technology is the future and preparing our leaders of the future is extremely important. 

“I grew up in a town not dissimilar from Cassleton. I grew up on Apple 2E computers with number munchers and Oregon trail, times have changed. It is so incredibly important not just to the biggest schools and the biggest communities but also rural schools and rural communities. “ Said Harbeke. 

The content from Be Internet Awesome is also available online.