It seems like our Web 2.0 feature has been focusing on Google offerings lately, but this week’s focus is an important one.

Online safety has been the focus of much discussion for several years now. The excellent PBS Frontline report on “Growing Up Online” really brought some of these issues to the forefront of the American consciousness. As an educator or parent, it really is hard to know sometimes what steps to take to help protect our students and children from the legitimate dangers they may encounter in the digital world.

Google recently offered its own insight on the situation by releasing the Google Family Safety Center (GFSC).  The GFSC provides educators and parents with specific information about making several of Google’s many Web 2.0 services into a safer environment for children.  It also includes several short video interviews with Google employees who are parents, and the steps they themselves take to keep their own children safe online.  Links to and advice from various Google partners are included also.

A handy feature of the GFSC is the ability to choose from one of five locations (US, UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand).  You will see different partners and Google parent videos based on this selection.

Google also included links to online safety activities and curricula (again, location based).

All in all, I see the GFSC as a very useful resource and I hope that Google continues to expand upon it in the future.

From an educator’s standpoint, it is very convenient to have safety information for the major Google services consolidated in one handy location.  It’s also very nice to see Google working with experts in the field of online safety to provide tips and learning materials for both parents and schools.

The GFSC is free and you’ll need a computer with a broadband internet connection, a modern Web browser, and the Flash player to access it.