Virtual Booth

Children’s online safety is increasingly jeopardized by digital technology’s expansion. Cyberbullying, exposure to adult content, online grooming, and privacy violations are some of the dangers children face online; the threats are most prevalent to children in welfare homes. Wi-Fi, the Internet, and computers may be limited, making it difficult for care providers to give online safety training. Additionally, children in welfare homes are likely to have different backgrounds and various levels of literacy; they may be even less equipped to deal with the dangers of the Internet. Current Internet safety programs teach safety skills through lectures, and having student memorize Internet safety rules. This does not give students the tools they need to deal with Internet safety dangers. The SAFE-REACT KIT was designed to fill this educational gap.

The SAFE-REACT KIT uses the Stop, Alert, Feel Safe, Explain & Tell safety response system. It addresses Internet safety by teaching learners the dangers of the Internet through simulations of risk and unsafe situations. The kit is based on behaviorism, and uses stimulus, response, and practice safety skills. Students learn by doing and can therefore practice the safety skills. Students learn to respond to unsafe situations, and practice safety skills through positive reinforcement and feedback. The kit is designed for children with different abilities, including children who are non-verbal and require additional educational support.

The SAFE-REACT KIT incorporates behavioral skills as an extension of knowledge-based awareness. Traditional programs focus on knowledge for children. SAFE-REACT KIT focuses on behavioral skills. The SAFE-REACT KIT provides a verbal and visual response system that can be used and adapted to the specific challenges and needs of children in care.

With minimal effort, no preparation, no internet, and no special tools, the SAFE-REACT KIT provides a practical and focused response system. SAFE-REACT KIT builds on self confidence, emotional self-regulation, and assertiveness, and assists children in care in becoming proactive in relation to their own online safety and of their peers. The innovation provides a means to engage and support children in care by increasing safety and protecting children in a more inclusive digital learning environment.