Internet Safety—a Priority for Underserved Communities
Today, access to the internet is essential for education, employment, and communication. According to our 2024 Semi-Annual Report, at Inspiredu, we have impacted 2,243 lives through digital skills education and distributed 1,649 home learning centers to Georgia families to help build digital equity this year alone.
But the digital divide extends beyond connectivity. Families in underserved communities often lack the skills necessary to use the internet both effectively and safely. This can lead to a variety of risks, including exposure to cyberbullying, online scams, and inappropriate content. For parents and guardians, the internet can be even more daunting if they’re unaware of the online dangers their children might face.
Therefore, as our program addresses the need for internet access, it can also lead to a heightened risk of danger.
Teaching internet safety
Recognizing these challenges, we are going a step further to empower families with the knowledge they need to protect themselves and their loved ones online. How? By offering internet safety as part of our digital literacy workshops.
“Our mission at Inspiredu is to bridge the digital divide by not only providing access to devices but also offering knowledge and training on that technology,” explains Program Coordinator Trea Vance. “Internet safety is a key component to help achieve that."
In our workshops, the internet safety curriculum includes essential topics such as:
how to recognize phishing attempts
the importance of strong passwords
understanding privacy settings
how to identify trustworthy websites
"One of our goals during our digital literacy workshops is to equip participants with comprehensive knowledge about technology, including the potential risks to be aware of,” Vance continues. “We emphasize the importance of 2-step authentication on sites, the dangers of reusing passwords, the necessity of keeping software updated, and more.”
A culture of safety
By educating both parents and children at our family learning workshops, everyone benefits. Parents are equipped with the knowledge to set boundaries and monitor online activity, while children learn to make informed decisions when navigating the web. This dual approach ensures that the entire family is engaged and aware of potential online dangers, fostering a culture of safety within the household.
Following these sessions, participating families leave with a greater sense of security and feel empowered to protect themselves and their children in an increasingly digital world. This confidence moves them one step closer to digital equity.
The work continues
In a world where technology is an integral part of daily life, Inspiredu's commitment to internet safety education is more important than ever. By focusing on underserved communities, we help ensure that no family is left behind—and that each family has the opportunity to benefit from the internet without fear of exploitation or harm. But as technology advances, the work is far from done. We will continue to stay up to date on how to stay safe online, and we’ll incorporate this knowledge into our workshops. This way, we can ensure that every family has the tools to navigate the digital world with confidence.