Internet, social media, and electronic communication safety is an essential skill for the 21st century middle-school learner who is immersed in various technology mediums. Research confirms that adolescents engage in seven and a half hours of screen time a day. This screen time includes texting; gaming; watching movies or television shows; using apps; browsing online; and engaging in social media on computers, tablets, televisions, and smart phone devices (Rosen et al. 2014). Internet safety is often a very appealing subject students are invested in and excited to learn about because the Internet is so pervasive their lives. To begin the discussion of Internet safety and hazards (6.1.7.S, Essential Concepts) students share if they have ever heard of the following terms or if a friend or family member has ever experienced cyber bullying, cyber harassment, cyber stalking, sexting, or has been the victim of an online predator. Students follow up by spending time online reviewing resources from Web Wise Kids, a nonprofit Web site that has free safety curriculum, videos, and interactive games designed to teach students the principles of Internet and mobile device safety in an engaging format. Students then complete an Internet safety pledge and commit to not engaging in actions that can lead to dangerous consequences: sharing personal information such as their address or phone number; if or when they are home alone; their schedule; their or information; or provocative parent’s, guardian’s caregiver’s photos. Students learn the of being nice and courteous online and via “netiquette” communication and to tell a trusted adult if someone is not being nice, is in danger, or is being bullied online. They also learn about the consequences of being a cyber bully and sexting such as sending sexually suggestive photos through social networks. The call for students to Model School Library Standards for California Public Schools demonstrate the ethical, legal, and safe use of technology and serves as a resource for instruction and learning about Internet safety. Learning activities are furthered with student-led projects. Using an electronic format, students write and record their own one- to two-minute public service announcement (PSA) covering a chosen Internet safety PSAs are featured on the topic. Students’ Web site. Presentations about Internet safety can be given to students in school’s earlier grades. The teacher librarian is invited as a guest speaker to discuss Internet safety. Finally, students are given an Internet safety checklist or tip sheet and are
Internet, social media, and electronic communication safety is an essential skill for the 21st century middle-school learner who is immersed in various technology mediums. Research confirms that adolescents engage in seven and a half hours of screen time a day. This screen time includes texting; gaming; watching movies or television shows; using apps; browsing online; and engaging in social media on computers, tablets, televisions, and smart phone devices (Rosen et al. 2014). Internet safety is often a very appealing subject students are invested in and excited to learn about because the Internet is so pervasive their lives. To begin the discussion of Internet safety and hazards (6.1.7.S, Essential Concepts) students share if they have ever heard of the following terms or if a friend or family member has ever experienced cyber bullying, cyber harassment, cyber stalking, sexting, or has been the victim of an online predator. Students follow up by spending time online reviewing resources from Web Wise Kids, a nonprofit Web site that has free safety curriculum, videos, and interactive games designed to teach students the principles of Internet and mobile device safety in an engaging format. Students then complete an Internet safety pledge and commit to not engaging in actions that can lead to dangerous consequences: sharing personal information such as their address or phone number; if or when they are home alone; their schedule; their parent’s, guardian’s or caregiver’s information; or provocative photos. Students learn the “netiquette” of being nice and courteous online and via communication and to tell a trusted adult if someone is not being nice, is in danger, or is being bullied online. They also learn about the consequences of being a cyber bully and sexting such as sending sexually suggestive photos through social networks. The Model School Library Standards for California Public Schools call for students to demonstrate the ethical, legal, and safe use of technology and serves as a resource for instruction and learning about Internet safety. Learning activities are furthered with student-led projects. Using an electronic format, students write and record their own one- to two-minute public service announcement (PSA) covering a chosen Internet safety topic. Students’ PSAs are featured on the school’s Web site. Presentations about Internet safety can be given to students in earlier grades. The teacher librarian is invited as a guest speaker to discuss Internet safety. Finally, students are given an Internet safety checklist or tip sheet and are
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