Internet Safety

Internet Safety is an on going discussion at school but is it discussed at home?

As the technology teacher, I discuss Internet Safety throughout the year. I don’t just discuss Internet Safety for a semester, move on to another topic, and never mention it again. When ever the students are on the Internet, we discuss safety/appropriateness; whether it is searching for content, copying content, copying pictures, or exploring new websites, I talk about safety issues and I tell students to talk to their parents before they go on the Internet. I always tell students to show their parents what they are doing on the Internet. I always ask students to share what they know about the Internet with their parents, but are the parents listening? Are parents involved in the content their children are exploring on the Internet?

I don’t know the answer, but I’m afraid parents are not as observant of what is happening on the Internet as they should be.

As a parent, I understand how easy it is to get occupied with dinner, phone calls, and work. So, letting my children get on the computer makes things less hectic while I take care of my adult obligations, but as the adult who is a parent, I need to take the Internet seriously. The Internet was invented as a tool. It has opened the world for everyone to explore, which is a wonderful and scary part of the Internet.

As educators and parents, we want our students to be safe and responsible while using technology. According to ikeepsafe.org, “We will have succeeded if we can help each child recognize and minimize the three main risks associated with all connected technologies (i.e., iPods, instant messaging, chat, computer games, game consoles, cell phones, text messaging, webcams)”.

The three main risks are:

• Inappropriate Contact –Teach kids how to recognize and protect themselves against contact with cyber-bullies, hackers, phishers, and predators. People aren’t always who they say they are. The Internet is a place to enhance existing relationships, not a place to meet new people.

• Inappropriate Content – This includes both content that is viewed and content that is uploaded by kids. Help kids understand that the Internet is forever: everything they post online is tracked and stored and will follow them to future job interviews and college entrance interviews.

• Inappropriate Conduct – Because the web environment can feel anonymous, some youth become dis-inhibited. Teach kids that the Internet is a public forum: anonymity is a myth. Help them be the good person online that they are when they’re offline.

As the technology teacher, I can teach students how to use the Internet properly, but as a parent I have to make sure it is happening. Focusing on these three risks can help make the Internet safe for my students and my own children.

For more information about Internet Safety check these websites:
ikeepsafe.org
brainpop.com
netsmartz.org
mcgruff.org