One aspect of keeping young people safe online is monitoring their Internet use. Part of monitoring requires understanding the technology, and the terms used to describe it. It is not difficult but because it is new and it is perceived as technology for a new generation, many people shy away. As caregivers, adults need to become comfortable with the terms that describe the activities in which their children are engaging. Sometimes it is as simple as looking at an online glossary.

 

Online Glossaries

There are hundreds of online glossaries out there. Here are a few that you may want to start with.

NetSmartz is a Web-based educational resource from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children focused on Internet safety. They provide a comprehensive Internet Definitions page for parents and educators.

OnGuard Online provides users with a number of practical tips and tools from the federal government and the technology industry for safe Internet use.

i-SAFE Inc. is a nonprofit foundation dedicated to providing of Internet safety education by means of a classroom curriculum and community outreach for students, teachers, parents, and law enforcement. On their site, i-SAFE provides a glossary to give users better knowledge of computers, Internet-related language, and specific i-SAFE terms and processes. i-SAFE also provides parents and educators with a listing of chatroom shorthand, including both abbreviations and emoticons.

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children has compiled a comprehensive listing of chatroom shorthand, often used by kids and teens as they communicate online.