by G. Kirchmyer
As adults, many of us already take precautions to protect our identities. Identity theft, online hackers, and digital voyeurs have made that necessary for our financial and physical safety, but what about our children? When is it appropriate to begin teaching them (or doing it for them, if necessary)? Today’s students are dealing with issues like internet safety, cyberbullying, and their own digital footprint being left behind, so the reality is that it’s necessary to start educating them in digital citizenship as soon as they start using the internet. Students don't typically care what internet safety looks like; after all, they're sitting alone with their device. How can this be dangerous? Oh, but we know differently! It’s important as teachers and parents for us to instruct our children (from 6th-12th grades) about online safety. If children don’t understand or won’t listen, parents may even need to intervene by taking control over account | management privileges. Parents not only have a right but a responsibility to be part of this process as we bring up these young adults. Remember The Police song “Every Breath You Take”? Think about that every time your kids are online. Their digital footprint can be seen and forever reviewed; they can be followed for years to come. The choices they make today can haunt them in 10 or 20 years. I'm not saying this to scare anyone, but it IS our job as the watch-keepers of this generation to help them be informed and protected. Here are some additional online resources to help you become more informed! Parents: Don’t let them CLICK that! Parents: What questions you should be asking! Teachers: Finding technology you can trust. Teachers: Digital Literacy & Citizen Curriculum Bibliography
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