Feeling Safe and Secure on the Internet

When I was in grade nine, my school brought a police officer into the classroom to discuss cyber bullying with us. During this discussion, scare tactics were used as we were told that we would likely be tried as adults if we were found guilty of cyber bullying. While this tactic seemed to be effective for my grade, and no one was reportedly cyber bullied, I do not think that this is the best method for teaching students about cyber safety.

Aside from this, we did not receive much information about cyber safety. For instance, I do not remember being told to not put our personal information, like full names and ages, online. Most of the information that I received on this topic was from my parents, and this made me comfortable with coming to them when someone inappropriate or uncomfortable came up online.

Due to the level of comfort that I felt approaching my parents when things were inappropriate online, I think that it is important for teachers to discuss the topic in schools. If they discuss the topic, children who do not receive information about cyber safety from their parents will still receive information. This could make students feel more comfortable about coming to their teacher for help. As teachers, we can help figure out next solutions, as well as call in the appropriate help for the student.

In schools, there are multiple times where cyber safety could be discussed. For example, cyber safety could be discussed during health or computer class, as well as during a schoolwide assembly. There are multiple online tools that can be shown in classrooms, like Be Internet Awesome. Be Internet Awesome is an interactive tool to help teach children about cyber safety and digital citizenship. There are resources for educators and families, as well as an interactive video game component for an engaging learning experience.