Internet Safety

Internet Safety is of growing concern to teachers and parents alike. Despite all the technology in place today like; web filters and firewalls, as the internet grows so do the safety problems associated with it.  It is hugely important that despite the technology in place to protect students from unsafe sites, that students are taught to be aware of the issue and understand the importance of being web aware. T this will help them in the future and when internet filters and firewalls are not enough.

Web safety itself is comprised of a variety of issues from protecting personal privacy to cyber bullying and everything in between. Students use the internet in a variety of ways, BeWebAware lists the main reasons for internet use as; Research and homework, Social Networking, Blogging, and File sharing. Once we understand how and why students are using the internet we better prepare them for the challenges that they will face while online. While online some of the safety issues that students will encounter are; cyber bullying, pornography, sexually explicit material, personal privacy/identity issues, and marketing risks. BeWebAware has some great resources for preparing ourselves and our students for being safe online. There are many sites available out there that even provide completely constructed lesson plans for all grades pertaining to web safety like CyberSmart. Due the fact that internet is becoming such a huge part of education and our everyday lives, the issue of internet safety cannot be ignored. The issues and skills to prevention need to be addressed to our students.
The fist step is educating ourselves so that we can be better prepared to help our students.