WebWiseKids Blog : web wise kids

Five Technology Skills Every Student Should Learn

Judi Westberg-Warren, President — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 00:11:00 GMT

eSchoolNews recently wrote an article about the top five technology skills every student should learn, and we couldnвЂ™t agree more with what they said!

In the article, eSchoolNews talks about crucial technology skills kids should know: Online literacy, critical thinking, the science behind technology, adaptability and courage.

Web Wise Kids' games embodies all of these themes-- we strive to educate kids about technology so that they can be smart about their decisions every day. Technology is an ever growing force in in today's society, and we can't stop it, but what we can do is teach our kids how to properly harness technology in ways that are more productive and beneficial to their lives.

We're so happy that eSchoolNews recognizes these skills that every student should learn, because we agree that they are crucial in the development of our children in this day and age. We hope to continue to create games and programs that will serve the next generation as tools for growth and success.

Cyberbully Hotline Announces Partnership With Web Wise Kids

Judi Westberg-Warren, President — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 17:49:00 GMT

Leaders In Digital Citizenship Teaching And Anonymous Bullying-Reporting Solution Join Forces To Promote Cyber Safety And Bullying Prevention; Program Satisfies Child Internet Protection Act Certification Requirement For E-Rate Schools

Today, SchoolReach, developers of the CyberBully Hotline, announced that it has entered into a partnership with Web Wise Kids, a leader in providing unique and effective game-based resources to help young people safely use and enjoy the latest mobile and social media technologies. This affiliation provides the most sought after and comprehensive offering of anti-bullying anonymous reporting tools and the latest education materials to help schools reduce and prevent both bullying and cyber bullying episodes.

The collaboration includes the cross promotion of WWKвЂ™s successful interactive digital citizenship role-playing games to CyberBully Hotline users and the promotion of the CyberBully Hotline to WWKвЂ™s user base. WWKвЂ™s most popular games: вЂњItвЂ™s Your Call,вЂќ and вЂњBe Seen,вЂќ teaches students responsible online behavior and how to use social media technology safely. The program gives schools or districts grade-level Internet safety training to meet Child Internet Protection Act certification requirements. In addition, Web Wise Kids founder, Judi Westberg Warren, an internationally-recognized expert in the field of bully and cyber bully prevention and school safety, will be joining the CyberBully Hotline program as a regular contributor to its professional development and education resource center.

вЂњI am thrilled to be part of this outstanding organization and its program,вЂќ said Westberg Warren. вЂњI have watched the CyberBully Hotline take shape in the last year and itвЂ™s the best answer for schools and districts looking to have all their bases covered when it comes to giving students a way to anonymously report these damaging incidents while arming schools with the tools they need for documenting and reporting the incidents. What we offer is the educational piece with our popular online games so students can confidently and safely manage face-to-face bullying and online cyber bully hazards, too.вЂќ The CyberBully Hotline provides a two-way communications tool that allows students to instantly and directly send text messages -- or leave a voicemail -- anonymously with school officials. In response, those officials can immediately reply, also anonymously, and provide students the support they need to effectively address the offensive bullying act, whether they are witnessing it, or are on the receiving end of it. A national nonprofit organization, Web Wise Kids' offers a comprehensive approach to Internet safety through award-winning interactive games which are both вЂњhands-on, mind-onвЂќ programs, that offer a positive, preventive, and proactive way to collaboratively engage youth, emotionally and cognitively to the issue of digital citizenship. These games are based on real life situations, are distributed primarily through training sessions for local school personnel facilitated by WWK trainers.

вЂњWith the CyberBully Hotline and Web Wise Kids joining forces, schools can know they are taking all the necessary steps to ensure the safety of their students,вЂќ said Paul Langhorst, chief marketing officer for SchoolReach. вЂњStudents will have a way to anonymously report cyber bullying and other forms of bullying and harassment, as well as learn through realistic and challenging simulations the importance and affect of demonstrating good digital citizenship skills.вЂќ

About SchoolReach SchoolReach is the K-12 division of St. Louis-based GroupCast, LLC, a broadcast voice, e-mail and SMS notification provider. More information about SchoolReach can be found at www.schoolreach.com and www.cyberbullyhotline.com or by calling 1-800-420-1479.

About Web Wise Kids Web Wise Kids is a national 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Southern California with satellite offices in the Northwest and Washington, D.C. For more information please go to www.webwisekids.org

Get Involved with Web Wise Kids!

Judi Westberg-Warren, President — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 22:22:00 GMT

Games are one of the number ways to get education across in the classroom, and Web Wise Kids is proud to produce programs and games that help teach and educate kids who to be safe online in this ever-evolving technological world. To continue making games, we rely heavily on the support of the community and of companies who believe in our mission.

Watch our president, Judi Westberg-Warren, talk more about how companies and supporters can get involved with Web Wise Kids.

BeSeen App: Training Wheels for Social Networks

Judi Westberg-Warren, President — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 23:09:00 GMT

Have your children played our BeSeen app yet?

BeSeen is our free mobile app designed to simulate an online social network for kids. By playing BeSeen, youth can subliminally learn how to be responsible on social networks through navigating fictional situations that test their judgment on private and personal information, protecting their online reputation and defending their peers. The situations reflect real-life situations, making BeSeen a great way to introduce kids to social networks.

Watch and learn more about how our BeSeen app is a great "training wheels" program for your kids!

Web Wise Kids Featured in eSchool News!

Judi Westberg-Warren, President — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 20:45:00 GMT

A report from eSchool News came out which lists the top ten ways that schools can teach students about Internet safety. The number one method to teach kids is to use games, and Web Wise Kids is listed as a resource. You can read the rest of the report here. (we're featured on pages 53 and 70).

For over 10 years, Web Wise Kids has been creating games that teach youth about digital citizenship. We have a collection of games ranging from вЂ?ItвЂ™s Your CallвЂ™-- a game for tweens and teens that effectively addresses cyber bullying and empowers youth to make wise and respectful choices in their digital lives and in society-- to BeSeen, our newest mobile app that teaches kids how to be safe across social networks. 10 million youth throughout the nation have experienced our programs.

We're honored to be listed as a resource on eSchool News, and we hope the word about our games continues to spread.

"Wired With Wisdom" Parent Program Now Available in Spanish!

Judi Westberg-Warren, President — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 19:49:00 GMT

We've just released a Spanish version of вЂњWired with Wisdom"! Now, Hispanic parents have a resource that can give them the necessary knowledge and skills to supervise the digital activities of their children.

Parents need to acknowledge the accessibility that wireless and broadband advancements are placing on their childrenвЂ™s mobile devices. Wired With Wisdom is the first internet safety education program designed to increase Hispanic parent awareness of cyber safety issues. The вЂњWired with WisdomвЂќ program is divided into 5 components: social networking, online communications, cell phone dangers, emerging technology, and chat rooms & instant messaging safety. Each component is a 20 minute seminar that advises parents on the dangers of cyber-bullying, inappropriate online behavior, sexting, and more. Starting this month, the Orange County Department of Education will be piloting the program to all schools servicing students in grades 6, 7, and 8.

Our English version of вЂњWired with WisdomвЂќ has been around for years and has undergone upgrading several times. We were inspired to develop a Spanish version of the program when we realized that language barriers have made it increasingly difficult for Spanish speaking parents to have access to internet safety programs. Statistics have shown that the Hispanic youth spend more time on mobile devices, including cell phones and tablets, than other students. The lack of educational programs for the parents leaves their children at a higher risk of engaging in negative online behavior. To confront this challenge, we partnered with the Entertainment Software Association Foundation and created the Spanish version using all Latino actors and voice talent.

We're so excited to be expanding our resources across multiple language barriers, and to help more parents educate themselves on how to in turn educate their children.

To learn more about the Spanish version of Wired With Wisdom, please click here.

Would a Lift on Age Restriction Be Good for Kids on Facebook?

Judi Westberg-Warren, President — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 21:52:00 GMT

Facebook has been considering lifting its age restriction on accounts and opening up its accounts to kids. (for more information, you can read this article.

If the FCC вЂњokaysвЂќ this move, it could be an important help for parents with tweens. As the article says, millions of tweens are online under false names and therefore not under supervision. As long as the tween can sign up under their parents account and the parents are provided with parental controls, I think this would add an important level of accountability. In no instance should tweens be allowed unsupervised access to social networking sites.

One element I believe still missing is education. Web Wise Kids and Carnegie Mellon University have created an educational game "BeSeen" which mirrors a social network and provides valuable learning experiences for middle schoolers. The game is a little like training wheels for a social networking experience; The kids create an avatar and enter in to the simulated social network therefore having the opportunity to make choices about how to handle the situations which occur. Kids learn the consequences of their decisions and get to remake choices that end up with negative outcomes.

BeSeen is a free download for smart phones from the iPhone and Android app store and helps prepare kids to "make wise choices on social networks". WeвЂ™ve also created supplemental classroom materials for teachers and parents to use to further the discussion of the game with their children. Those materials are also available for free here.

Thank You To Our Sponsors!!

Judi Westberg-Warren, President — Mon, 28 May 2012 20:40:00 GMT

With our BeSeen app gaining a lot of attention during the last several weeks-- especially since we launched an ad in USA Today-- we'd like to take a moment to thank our sponsors--CTIA Wireless Foundation, Carnegie Mellon University, Verizon Foundation-- without whom BeSeen would have never been possible.

If you are new to Web Wise Kids or BeSeen, hereвЂ™s more about the game:

BeSeen was created by Carnegie Mellon University and Web Wise Kids to teach youth how to be responsible in social networks by securing their private and personal information, protecting their online reputation and defending their peers.

This online safety mobile application is a single-player game that simulates a social networking website. The player creates a profile and starts earning вЂњfriendвЂќ characters and interacting with them. They learn about others through their posts and help them through challenges in order to win awards and make new friends.

In BeSeen, the ultimate quest is to make friends. At first, that is a matter of getting involved in school activities, but as more friends join a social circle, they bring their problems with them. To keep friends and make more, itвЂ™s important not only to be involved but also to be a good friend.

You can learn more about BeSeen or download the free lesson materials on the Web Wise Kids website. Watch our video thanking our sponsors here!

What Can BeSeen Teach Your Kids?

Judi Westberg-Warren, President — Wed, 23 May 2012 20:07:00 GMT

Our BeSeen App is an online safety mobile application that simulates a social networking website. The player creates a profile and starts earning вЂњfriendвЂќ characters and interacting with them. They learn about others through their posts and help them through challenges in order to win awards and make new friends.

To get a full understanding of what our BeSeen app can teach your children, watch our official training video here.

Our BeSeen app is available to download for free on both Apple and Android platforms. To download the app and supplemental classroom materials (for free!), please click here.

BeSeen Has Global Appeal!

Judi Westberg-Warren, President — Wed, 23 May 2012 00:52:00 GMT

You Said It. BeSeen Has Global Appeal!

Word Is Spreading About The New BeSeen Lesson Materials!
It's only been a few weeks since we created a download page for the new BeSeen lesson materials on the Web Wise Kids website. But in that short time, here's what we've seen:

* We had 110 downloads of the complete lesson materials which will now start filtering through families, teachers and youth directors around the world - over 11,000 impressions!

* In the U.S., the materials were downloaded in 30 states!

* Overall, we had recent downloads in 8 different countries including South Africa,Peru, Canada, Nigeria, Columbia, United Kingdom and New Zealand! If you are among this group, thank you for being one of the first to begin formally teaching online safety via the BeSeen game. And be sure to share your feedback with us at [email protected].

Here's What You Are Saying About BeSeen!
"I work for law enforcement and go to all schools in the county and most of the city to discuss various topics, including on-line safety. I plan on using your information to update my presentations and to continue makng education fun." --- El Paso,TX
"Can't wait to see this one - we use Missing and love it need it for newer computers or iPads. --- Ft. Clahoun, NE
"Loved using the Missing Game and thrilled you came out with something new :)" ---Tolland, CT
"I appreciate these resources made available to teachers...." --- Berkeley, CA
"Anxious to try this app and offer it to students. Thank you!" --- Tustin, CA
"Hey, I didn't know about this app!!!!" --- Penn Laird, VA
"I want teach my students how to be safe on social media. I don't speak English, but I'm working with the teachers on ESL." --- Santiago, Chile
"We would like to build in a link to these materials from our site. This and BeSeen would fit into our Digital Citizenship section really well" --- Clinton Twp, MI

Thank you for all this feedback and positive encouragement! We are so excited to see where you take BeSeen over the coming weeks. Who can you share BeSeen with today?

BeSeen FAQs

Judi Westberg-Warren, President — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:18:00 GMT

BeSeen is our mobile phone app we created in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University. The game is designed to be played on a mobile phone and simulates a social network. It was designed to teach kids how to be responsible on social networks like Facebook, by securing their private and personal information, protecting their online reputation, and defending their peers.

BeSeen was made possible by support from Trend Micro, CTIA The Wireless Foundation, and The Verizon Foundation.

Why Was BeSeen Created?

As many as 7.5 million Facebook users in the U.S. are under age 13 - a violation of Facebook's user policies - according to a new study by Consumer Reports, as reported by Ad Age.

BeSeen was created to combat some alarming statistics about kidsвЂ™ behavior on social networks:

55% of teens have given out personal info to someone they donвЂ™t know, including photos and physical descriptions.

29% of teens have posted mean info, embarrassing photos or spread rumors about someone.

29% have been stalked or contacted by someone they donвЂ™t know.

24% have had private or embarrassing info made public without their permission

22% have been cyberpranked

56% of teens say they have been the target of some type of online harassment

15% percent of the young people surveyed say they have sent nude photos or videos of themselves

21% say they've received nude photos or videos from others. About half of those involved say they felt pressured to do so BeSeen teaches kids to behave responsibly on social networks, and to guard their personal information and images.

You can find more statistics about kidsвЂ™ behavior on cell phones and online here.

What is the Game About?

This online safety mobile application is a single-player game that simulates a social networking website. The player creates a profile and starts earning "friend" characters and interacting with them. They learn about others through their posts and help them through challenges in order to win awards and make new friends.

In BeSeen, the ultimate quest is to make friends. At first, that is a matter of getting involved in school activities, but as more friends join a social circle, they bring their problems with them. To keep friends and make more, itвЂ™s important not only to be involved but also to be a good friend.

Where Can I Find BeSeen?

BeSeen is a free mobile app, available for download in both the Apple App Store and Google Play (formerly the Android Marketplace). You can find more information about the game, including support documents and instructional materials here.

How much Does the App Cost?

BeSeen is available for free. It's easily downloaded in both the Apple App Store and Google Play (formerly the Android Marketplace). We also offer free handouts, instructional videos and companion materials to be used in classrooms or at home.

What Platforms Can I Play BeSeen On?

BeSeen is available for both the iPhone, and Android smartphones. It is not yet available for laptops or tablets.

I'm a Teacher; Can I Use the App in my Classroom?

Absolutely! BeSeen is a fun and engaging learning tool to teach your students about social networking. We have created an entire set of classroom resources around the BeSeen App, to help you use it effectively in your classroom. You can download the materials for free here.

Also, if you are interested in having a Web Wise Kids staff member facilitate the BeSeen Program in your classroom, we can make arrangements for the program to be led either in person, or over Skype. For information on facilitation, please email Rommel Anacan at [email protected]

I'm a Parent; Can I Use the App at Home?

Sometimes, parents are unsure about whether to allow their kids on social networks. BeSeen can be a great way to teach your kids how to navigate social networks safely, and to achieve peace of mind as a parent. Our free BeSeen classroom materials can easily be adapted for use at home, or, simply download the free app and let your kids play.

Are There Any Instructional Videos That Might Help Me Understand the App?

We have several videos available that will walk you through the BeSeen game. There are also printed materials that can help you understand what players are learning as they navigate the game. You can find all of these resources here.

Where Can I Go For More Information?

For more information on BeSeen, visit our website. You can also download our free Program Resources to learn more about the BeSeen App. If you would like to learn more about the other educational video games that we offer, you can do that here.

Join our newsletter to stay up to date on all our news, and the latest educational programs weвЂ™re rolling out.

And, to contact us, please email [email protected].

What If I have a Question That IsnвЂ™t Addressed Here?

You can always reach us by email at [email protected].

Or, call us at (866) WEB-WISE or 714-435-2885. We would love to hear from you!

BeSeen Beneficial to Teachers and Educators, too!

Judi Westberg-Warren, President — Fri, 04 May 2012 01:35:00 GMT

We designed our BeSeen app to teach youth about how to safely navigate their way through social networks online. BeSeen simulates a social network and immerses youth in situations that are much like what they will encounter, or already dealing with, in real life.

But we also designed BeSeen with teachers and educators in mind, too. Teachers are unfortunately also dealing with many of the same online issues as their students, and having to respond to the matters at hand. BeSeen gives teachers an effective and positive tool to teach their students how to be online in a safe and responsible manner.

We created supplemental BeSeen Classroom Materials especially for teachers and educators to use and help guide their students through the game in order to maximize their learning experiences. Teachers from all over the world are raving about our BeSeen Classroom Materials; Magaret A. from Berkley, CA, says, вЂњI appreciate the resources made available to teachersвЂќ, and Sylvia from El Paso, TX, says, вЂњI plan on using your information to update my presentations and to continue making education fun.вЂќ

To download your free BeSeen Classroom Materials, please visit http://webwisekids.org/usa

Free Download: Modern Parent's Guide to Kids and Video Games E-Book

Judi Westberg-Warren, President — Wed, 02 May 2012 22:30:00 GMT

In todayвЂ™s world where technology is constantly and quickly evolving, it can be challenging for parents to keep up with everything that is going on. Every day, new high-tech toys, apps, software and services march onto the scene, but how do we know what is safe to use and what is beneficial to our families and children? Parents can't afford to ignore technology's impact on kids.

Luckily, thereвЂ™s help. The Modern ParentвЂ™s Guide, written by technology and parenting expert Scott Steinberg, is a comprehensive series that offers invaluable, real-life solutions to help parents embrace and tackle technology and keep up with their kids. The first volume in the series, The Modern ParentвЂ™s Guide to Kids and Video Games, is a complete guide to PC, console, online, free, social and mobile games, including using game ratings, addressing common health concerns and fostering healthy computing habits. The e-book version of The Modern ParentвЂ™s Guide to Kids and Video Games is available for FREE download from Web Wise Kids here!

Parents, if you are concerned about your kids' safety on video games and social networks, download our free BeSeen mobile app and program materials here.

Teen Bullying Suicide Pushes Newspaper to Take a Stand

Judi Westberg-Warren, President — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 23:32:00 GMT

A teen in Iowa, 14 year old Kenneth Weishuhn Jr., committed suicide because of bullying, and a newspaper is now taking a stand. Shaken by WeishuhnвЂ™s death, The Sioux City Journal dedicated its entire front page of its Sunday edition paper to an editorial rallying the city against bullying. Full front page editorials are rare, but the Sioux City Journal felt that it was the only way to address the enormity of the situation in order to garner the attention of its readers.

I certainly commend the Sioux City Journal for devoting their front page to discourage bullying. It is hard to believe that yet another young person has taken their life due to bullying. When are we going to realize as a society that bullying another person physically or emotionally causes irreparable damage? We must continue to educate the public, parents and children that bullying is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. Thank you Sioux City Journal for taking this public stand.

One of the ways WWK combats bullying is through our educational games, like our free mobile app, BeSeen. Learn more about BeSeen--and how it can teach our children to combat cyberbullying--here .

BeSeen Classroom Materials a Hit!

Judi Westberg-Warren, President — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 01:44:00 GMT

Our new BeSeen program that provides downloadable lesson plans вЂ“ complete with handouts, worksheets, instructional videos, and 12 lesson plans-- allows educators, youth directors and parents to instantly begin sharing the benefits of BeSeen with their kids.

So far, the materials have been downloaded 65 times in 20 states and five countries (hello to our friends across the US and in South Africa, the UK, Peru and Canada)!

These classroom materials give teachers a step-by-step guide for leading students through the materials. We designed them to help facilitate discussions and dialogue with your students as they are playing the game. BeSeen is a valuable learning tool вЂ“ but it is also fun for kids!

We hope that those who have downloaded our materials have found them useful so far, and that other parents and educators will continue to download and use our BeSeen materials.

You can download our BeSeen Classroom Materials for FREE here!