As parents we know that our children struggle with identity. Who are they? What do others think of them? Through their school years students struggle to develop their own unique identities. One’s identity is a culmination of personality, genetics and how that person interacts with the world around them.

In our physical world, our identity is formed by how we interact with our environment. A child can not be “identified” as a football star if never allowed to play. A student cannot be labeled creative if only allowed to focus on academics. Online, however, many restrictions to forming an identity are removed. When a child chooses to go online they can be whoever they want and form an identity from scratch. This can result in some concerns, such as risky experimentation, taking advantage of anonymity and a disconnect from long-term consequences. He or she might be tempted to gamble, bully, flirt and more as they try to find their identity.

That is not to say that being online is bad. It can be a wonderful opportunity to take advantage of interactive Web sites to showcase talents and do new things. Students have used the online environment to self publish, to promote charities and many other positive things. i-SAFE has developed a unit of instruction for middle and high school students to help them. Lessons on identity and safety & security are designed to educate students so they understand that their online identity is IMPORTANT. It can affect their personal safety, as well as future college admissions and employment. Further, students learn it is not simply transferring their physical world identity. I-SAFE teaches students that what is real about them in the physical world may not be apparent at all online. What image are they choosing to present when online?

So, we tend to struggle between allowing our children to grow up in a digital world and protecting their safety and security. We can’t be there 24/7 to constantly hold their hand – we need to empower them by giving them the tools to make the right choices. A large portion of that is through education, such as what i-SAFE provides. Along with education, there's a technological solution. Identity.net (www.identity.net) is a new technology that allows for identity authentication. Its mission is to put consumers firmly in control of their online identity and reputation. Identity.net is built on 50 issued patents and 10 years of advanced research in the fields of cryptography and online identity. Identity.net is led by experienced and successful entrepreneurs and industry experts. By authenticating users, not only is one’s own identity protected, but also one’s confidence in their interactions, because they know WHO is on the other end of the network. i-SAFE has always been about education. With identity.net that education combines with technology that isn’t merely restricting access or saying "NO." Rather, it is about promoting an online experience that is positive, safe and secure.

Verification with identity.net enables students to: learn about the importance of maintaining “levels of identity” online in order to be safe and secure in Internet activities and communications; build and use safe online profiles; and engage in safe and secure online activities and contests. Being verified confirms identity. Also, the use of identity.net helps your child make smarter choices when online in what they reveal, in protecting their identity and in identifying who to interact with when online, which is all good news for parents. It empowers them to be responsible for safe interactions and it provides you with the knowledge that your child is having a safer more secure Internet experiences.

See how the no-cost verification system works on www.identity.net. Encourage your school to help get students verified online. Once verified, students are introduced to safe, secure, and fun online activities – where students can compete with other students for real PRIZES – through the companion Web site, www.iruleit.com Take an interest in what your children are doing online, and learn as much as you can about e-Safety.  i-SAFE provides easy and convenient i-PARENT online training at ilearn.isafe.org. You can also learn more at www.isafe.org, or our new Web site just for Hawaii at www.isafehawaii.org.