Net Cetera: A Guide to Online Safety for Kids
In 2009, Ashleigh led the design and art direction for Net Cetera: Chatting with Kids About Being Online, a groundbreaking digital literacy guide produced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in collaboration with multiple federal agencies. The publication offered practical advice for parents, caregivers, and educators navigating conversations with children about safe and responsible online behavior.
Ashleigh’s Role
As the design lead and art director, Ashleigh was responsible for shaping the visual tone, layout, and accessibility of the 54-page booklet—ensuring the content was engaging, easy to navigate, and approachable across audiences. Ashleigh also oversaw the first press run in person, traveling to Kentucky to proof every page and ensure quality before the guide went public. Ashleigh designed and produced both English and Spanish versions for the initial release.
Impact
The project was an immediate success. More than 9.3 million copies of the original booklet were distributed, making it one of the most-requested publications in the FTC’s history. By March 2010, over one million copies had been distributed in just four months, prompting updates and reprints over the following decade.
Net Cetera helped spark national conversations around digital safety and respectful online behavior—and continues to shape how federal agencies educate the public on emerging technologies.
Designing for Digital Wellbeing
Pages from the original Net Cetera guide, thoughtfully designed to help families have open, values-based conversations about life online.
Notable Recognition
“The conversations that make kids good digital citizens aren’t about the technology; they’re about communicating your values as a parent.
Teaching kids to treat others as they’d like to be treated online is key. Net Cetera tells you how to start those conversations – even if you think your kids are more tech-savvy than you are.”
“With more than a million copies distributed in just over four months, Net Cetera is a runaway hit. It’s proof that people want to have continuing conversations with their kids about communicating online.”
Topics Covered
Social networking and privacy
Mobile device safety
Cyberbullying and sexting
Computer security
Values-based digital parenting
Age-appropriate boundaries
Legacy
The guide remains available on OnGuardOnline.gov and continues to be updated based on demand and changing technologies. Today, it's recognized as one of the earliest federal efforts to equip families with culturally responsive, design-forward tools for navigating the digital age.
CLIENT
U.S. Federal Trade Commission
EMPLOYER
FleishmanHillard Digital
DESIGN TIME
Early 2009
LAUNCHED
December 15, 2009
TEAM
FleishmanHillard Digital
Katie O'Brien — design supervision
Ashleigh Axios — design, art direction, production supervision
Marc Dionne — department creative direction