Safe Side: Internet Safety
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Ann Crewdson, Issaquah Library-KCLS, WA -- School Library Journal, 7/3/2008
Safe Side: Internet Safety. DVD. 42 min. Prod. by The Safe Side. Dist. by AV Café (theavcafe.com). 2006, 2007 release. $14.99
Gr 2-6–Rather than hammering children with punitive messages about the threats posed by the Internet, this film uses whacky film clips to introduce smart downloads, opening up safe emails, disabling pop-ups, and negotiating chat-room traps. John Walsh (America’s Most Wanted) and Julie Clark (founder of Baby Einstein) team up to offer these important tips. In chat rooms, they advocate buddying up with a “Safe Side Adult” who can monitor the Internet for safe sites. “Scare Factor,” a parody of the TV show Fear Factor, reveals creepy old men disguised as children sitting behind computer monitors, luring young girls into meeting them. The reenactments bring home the message that “what you see isn’t what you get.” The safety mailroom with email addresses attached to a conveyer belt cleverly teaches viewers about the abstract electronic mailroom. For example, clicking on false jackpot pop-ups can infect the computer or flash unwanted pictures at unsuspecting viewers. Kid-friendly goofball characters such as Safe-Side Super News reporter dressed in outlandish costume guarantees viewers will have a fun time while reviewing the lessons. The “For Parents” section requires a numerical pass code that can only be obtained from the Web site. Two true stories are told by teens who were lured into running away or were kidnapped by strangers they met on the Internet. Startling statistics about online sexual solicitations bring home the message to parents that they must talk to and monitor their children. The Spanish version has English subtitles. Bonus features include a music video and a fun bloopers section.
