Posts Tagged ‘YouAreHere’
Today’s Fortunate Youngsters
January 14th, 2010
by Nicole
The kids today have it so easy. When I was kid, we couldn’t just google something to find information. We had to walk to the library and use the card catalog. If we wanted to watch cartoons, we had to wait until Saturday morning—there was no Cartoon Network. And if we wanted to learn about avoiding frauds and scams, we couldn’t visit the FTC’s online mall.
If the internet had existed, I’m sure my friends and I would have headed to the East Terrace to learn how to spot and avoid frauds and scams. We could have started at Maggie’s Miracle Cart, where visitors examine the claims of several “miracle” products and learn that they don’t live up to the hype.
Then, we could have wandered over to the Clothing Co, where Isaac nearly falls for a modeling scam. With the help of his friends, he realizes that he shouldn’t be fooled by flattery and shouldn’t pay for the promise of success.
At Kablamo! Comics, we could have commiserated with poor Keno, who tells visitors how he lost twenty bucks to a job scam. Across the store, we could have helped Captain Noscam by blasting keywords and phrases that are used frequently in scams.
Finally, at the vacations kiosk, we could have won a free vacation only to learn that there’s a catch. We wouldn’t have gotten that free trip to Smithington Castle, but we certainly would have been wiser after our trip to the mall.
Tags: children, internet, kids, scams, teaching, YouAreHere
Posted in For Kids, Scam Watch | No Comments »
Be an Info Defender: Visit the YouAreHere Security Plaza
January 11th, 2010
by Julia
The internet offers a world of opportunities to access and exchange information. You can find a local mechanic or pastry shop in a matter of seconds, purchase a plane ticket to Paris with just a few clicks, and stay in touch with your friends and family across the country and around the globe.
The sharing of personal information happens offline, too – when you’re getting a library card, for example, or signing a cell phone contract. But these opportunities come with certain risks, and – especially as kids start to interact with the broader world, online and off – it’s important for every member of the family to know how to keep their personal information safe.
The Security Plaza of the FTC’s online mall uses engaging dialogue and fun, interactive games to teach kids how to protect their personal information. At Mall Security, kids learn what ID theft is and how to help their families avoid it. In the fast-paced Arcade game Info Defender 3, players can try their hand at protecting 
the planet against Cyclorian invaders hungry for Earthlings’ identities. Relaxing in the Book Café, Emily demonstrates the importance of thinking before posting on social networking sites and elsewhere. Finally, Jim at Network Security walks kids through how to stay safe online.
To help kids use the site – and maybe even learn something yourself – check out YouAreHere’s information for parents and teachers.
Tags: children, computers, identity theft, kids, privacy, teaching, YouAreHere
Posted in For Kids | 1 Comment »