Programming Resources
We have created four types of interactive learning materials to help children learn more about privacy and security concepts. For each option, we’ve created a set of downloadable materials and instructions on how to use it. We encourage you to customize the content and create programs using these materials that meet the needs of families in your community.
Password Mania (available in English and Spanish) is a card game designed to teach youth about creating strong passwords. We include an instruction manual as well as downloadable files with the cards. Pre-printed decks may also be available (use our contact page to request them).
How can libraries use this resource? Library staff can offer programs where: (1) youth play this card game with each other, then have a discussion about strong password practices facilitated by library staff; (2) youth play this game with family members (e.g., during family game night events in the library); or (3) older youth play this card game with younger youth, then have a discussion about strong password practices facilitated by older youth and/or library staff. Password Mania is intended for ages 7+, although younger children may need assistance from older children or adults when playing.
Download Instructions in English Download English Cards in B&W Download English Cards in Color Download Instructions in Spanish Download Spanish Cards in B&W Download Spanish Cards in ColorPasswords are the first line of defense in protecting your personal information and children may need to start using passwords from an early age. These worksheets help children build better passwords by focusing on the most important factor in password strength: length. There are multiple worksheets, each with 24 images. The instructions ask the person to select four images then write a story to connect them. This worksheet was inspired by an xkcd comic illustrating this approach to password creation.
How can libraries use this resource? Like Password Mania, these worksheets help children learn how to build stronger passwords. Library staff may incorporate these worksheets into existing programming that covers technology use, or print out copies to make available to children to complete in the library or take home. The worksheets can be completed without any interaction or feedback from adults, although it could be fun for children to share their words and stories with each other.
Download in English Download in SpanishIsland Escape is an escape room-style game that operates via a Google Form. In this game, the player wakes up on a beach, with instructions to get to a helicopter on the other side of the island before they are caught by the bad guys. The player must solve a variety of password and location data challenges (by answering multiple choice questions) in order to reach the helicopter safely.
How can libraries use this resource? This game provides youth an opportunity to learn about privacy issues around location data sharing for mobile devices, and is intended for upper elementary school children (ages 8-11). Library staff may incorporate this game into existing programming that covers technology use. The escape room can be completed individually or as a group, with one person reading the text and questions to the group, then entering a response to questions based on group consensus.
Play in English Play in SpanishMarco’s Suprise Party is a choose-your-own-adventure story. In this story, you’re the main character and you are planning a super secret surprise birthday party for your best friend, Marco. You want to keep Marco from finding out about his party while you pick up supplies and prepare. Can you do everything before Marco figures out what’s happening?
How can libraries use this resource? This story provides youth an opportunity to learn about privacy issues with mobile devices, and is intended for tweens and teens (ages 11-15). Library staff may incorporate this game into existing programming that covers technology use. The escape room can be completed individually or as a group. For the English version of the story, there is an audio file for each page that will read the text out loud, then let the reader select their path. The story allows readers to go back and change their choice or start over if they want to try a different path.
Play in English Play in SpanishOur coloring pages include a variety of images related to technology for children to color, and several include conversational prompts on the back (available in English and Spanish) that offer advice for talking to kids about social media and mobile apps.
How can libraries use this resource? Library staff can distribute printed coloring pages to families during or after storytime sessions, have them available at the children’s area at their library, or have them as downloadable PDF on their website. Library staff can also run family programs where families can have a conversation with each other on how to use these conversation prompts to talk to their children about privacy.
