You can never be too safe when monitoring the use of the internet with your students and children. While it can be a wonderful resource, it can also be very unsecure. It is important to educate both adults and children on the dangers of the internet and email, and how to use it safely.
|
Privacy
Personal information can be easily obtained on the internet. Creating social media accounts and other registrations using personal information can easily provide others with your personal information. It is important to remember that what is posted on social media is public information. Websites that students use regularly, including social media, can be customized with privacy settings. |
Inappropriate Sites
The internet is full of wonderful resources and tools, but also home to many inappropriate sites. Pornography, racism, drugs, and other negative sites and blogs can easily be found. Different search errors can supply access to these sites. Teachers can limit usage time and websites to be used within the classroom. |
Online Solicitation
Chat rooms, social media sites and apps, email and other electronic communications can provide predators with negative or inappropriate intentions. Adults can monitor email accounts and report any inappropriate solicitation or scams.
|
Most importantly, teachers can promote internet and email safety through safety training and education.
Rules and Guidelines:
- Keep login information safe – Do not share login credentials with anyone (usernames and passwords). This could give people access to your personal information.
- Avoid sharing personal information – Providing personal information to unknown sources can put your information at risk. Identity theft can occur when personal information is shared with the wrong person.
- Stay educated – Check with adults, whether your parent or teachers, on valid sites to use. They are knowledgeable about sites that are suitable and helpful.
- Think before you post – make sure that you are posting respectful comments, photos, and links. You should always gather permission from parents before you register or join social networking sites or other online programs/groups.
Student Safety On The Internet: Tips for Teachers
As teachers integrate Internet-based activities into to their curricula, higher levels of student engagement are coming at a potential cost: opportunities for plagiarism, exposure to inappropriate web-based content, access to misinformation and unintended interactions with strangers are just some of the potential dangers students face when learning online. Below are a few proactive steps teachers can take to help keep their students safe while using Internet-based platforms for learning.
References:
Broughton, Daniel. (2005) Keeping kids safe in cyberspace. Retrieved from http://aapnews.aappublications.org/content/26/8/11.full
New York Public Library. (2015). Internet Safety Tips for Children and Teens. Retrieved from http://www.nypl.org/help/about-nypl/legal-notices/internet-safety-tips
Internet Safety. (n.d.). Tips for Teachers, Retrieved November 1st 2015, from http://web2014.discoveryeducation.com/internet_safety.cfm
Broughton, Daniel. (2005) Keeping kids safe in cyberspace. Retrieved from http://aapnews.aappublications.org/content/26/8/11.full
New York Public Library. (2015). Internet Safety Tips for Children and Teens. Retrieved from http://www.nypl.org/help/about-nypl/legal-notices/internet-safety-tips
Internet Safety. (n.d.). Tips for Teachers, Retrieved November 1st 2015, from http://web2014.discoveryeducation.com/internet_safety.cfm