Internet Safety in the Social Media
One of my pet things about integrating ICT into the curriculum is creating an awareness around internet safety and appropriate online behaviour. Last year I attended a workshop put on by DTG (Digital Technolgies Guidelines) it was identified that students should learn about their “digital society”. The new Digital Technology Achievement Standards aim to address those issues;
- Demonstrating an understanding of digital threats
- Cybersafe practices
- Cyber bullying
- Cybercrime
- Cyber predators
- Privacy
This is a great step forward but what about students who choose not to take ICT as an option? Judging by the Facebook profile of some Year 9 and 10 students I know it would seem they have little regard for the risks they are exposing themselves to. Some educators are a bit behind the ball and it can be hard to keep up with it all especially if you choose to opt out of the whole social media experience. Just how many people have been seriously affected whether by cyber bullying, or even the tragic stories of those killed after meeting a stranger they had befriended on Facebook is a reminder people are not playing it safe. Social networking sites come with a responsiblity, users must make good choices about what they share and who with. The Facebook Help Privacy page keeps you up to date with any changes they make to their privacy settings so it can be a good place to start.
Common Sense is an excellent site dedicated to informing people about appropriate internet behaviour. There’s a special section for teachers with a whole range of resources for lessons, discussions guides, surveys and more. Definetly worth a look.
