Giving Compass' Take:

• Shawna De La Rosa reports that the FBI has warned that online learning forced by the COVID-19 pandemic can increase students' risk of sexual exploitation.

• How can funders work to help teachers and families protect students online? 

• Read six tips for implementing an effective online student safety program.

As novel coronavirus closures force more schools to wade into the world of online learning, the FBI is warning educators and families to beware of online sexual exploitation, and urges parents and educators to teach students about the risks and the signs. Children should also be taught about safety and boundaries and be encouraged to have open communication with parents and trusted adults.

Individuals may use online platforms to coerce youth into sharing explicit photos or videos of themselves under threats of sharing images with others. Offenders tend to make casual contact with children online to gain their trust and then introduce sexual conversation that increases.

The FBI says not only should internet safety should be discussed, but that adults should review apps and games before children download them. The agency recommends setting privacy settings to the strictest level and to monitor children’s Internet use.

Read the full article about online learning and sexual exploitation by Shawna De La Rosa at Education Dive.