FBI Launches ‘Safe Browsing Online’ Program to Promote Internet Safety for Students and Parents

ARIZONA – In celebration of back to school, the FBI office in Phoenix unveiled a program to educate parents and students on how to safely search the Internet.

Students spend more time on the Internet, whether it is to do schoolwork, on social networks or to research a topic.

The FBI has developed a free computer literacy program called “Safe Browsing Online” or “SOS.” Teachers, administrators, and parents can use this program to help protect children. The Safe Online Surfing program includes specific materials for ages 3rd through 8th grade and is available in English and Spanish.

Here are some helpful tips for parents:

• Talk to your children about what kinds of information, photos, and videos are appropriate to post online and what are not.
• Remind them that sending a photo to a friend can get the whole school to see that photo.
• Teach your children how to limit the information they post online. They should not post their full name, date of birth, and school information on social media platforms.
• Explain to your kids that free software, apps, and downloads can be made illegally and expose phones and computers to potential malware attacks.

If you are interested in obtaining more information about the program, consult vis sos.fbi.gov. If you have been the victim of cyber fraud, be sure to report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov or call your local FBI office.