As a parent, I feel that spending time with your child is
the best insurance you can have for your student’s safety.Develop a relationship that fosters open
communication and trust. Even when your
not there your child will be thinking of what you taught them.
Children are naturally curious and push the limits to what
will be allowed in the classroom.In the
classroom limits and rules must be enforced and posted where students and
teachers can continuously refer to them.When they become part of the normal culture of the classroom, they will
remember them when working independently and maybe carry over into the home. Teachers
must make students aware of the many dangers associated with being online and
expose students to consequences for their behaviors and actions. Consequences
are what will make students think twice before acting.
Isn't this the same question we ask when we look at student behavior in the classroom? Whose job is it to teach students good manners, respect, a sense of pride and taking responsibility for their actions? This dilemma is now surfacing in a different context, the Internet. As schools rapidly integrate technology into the classroom, teachers are responsible for implementing lessons focused on online safety, security and the dangers of social networking. Many students do not realize that once they post something on the Internet it is almost impossible to take it back. It may also have an impact on future events in their lives.
Although students have experience and background knowledge with Internet usage, many students are not aware of how the Internet can enhance their learning and connect to the classroom.
The issue of student safety on the internet has become one that needs immediate intervention. So many children act impulsively and feel they are anonymous behind computer screens. This leads to "dangerous behaviors: cyber bullying, inappropriate photo or video uploads, illegal downloads, meeting strangers -- even cheating."
Teachers may feel unprepared to teach such concepts to students, as these lessons currently part of the existing curriculum. There are few if any professional developments on cyber safety and cyber ethics. Many students are tech savvy and can easily get through filters and firewalls. However, if technology is use in the classroom, classroom expectations must be set and teachers must ensure a clear understanding of the guidelines. They may also feel that it is the parent’s responsibility to monitor their child’s use of the internet surfing.
Parents may feel that it is the schools responsibility to teach students to use technology and reinforce the concepts of appropriate use and safety. However, teachers are exposing students to new applications and parents may not be aware of the dangers themselves. All stakeholders should engage in the development of effective collaboration and communication strategies between students, teachers, and parents. School leaders should regard the safety of students as a topmost priority. Therefore, the answer to this question is one that applies to the success of students in any realm. With students using the internet from anywhere at any time for a variety of purposes protecting students must be a collective effort. Everyone shares in the responsibility of keeping students safe.
