Internet Safety

High School Internet Safety

Internet safety can be broken down into four categories which include cyberbullying, online predators, computer viruses and other computer intrusions, and cyber crime. As define in, Teaching and Learning in a Digital World, cyberbullying is when a child, preteen or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another child, preteen or teen using the internet, interactive and digital technologies or mobile phones. Educating students about the consequences of cyberbullying is a start toward prevention but students need to respect others and take a stand against bullying of any kind and of all students. Students can also become victims of online predators by way of email, chat rooms, instant messaging, social networks, and other communication mechanisms. Again, communication with students is critical and discussing the dangers of the internet and understanding the safety guidelines is a great starting point. The third category of internet safety is computer viruses and other intrusions. While most computer networks have fire walls and virus protection software, students must know that there are limitations to what these prevention measures can do. When in doubt, it is better to play it safe, is a good policy for students. The final internet safety category is cyber crime and while not as common as some of the cyber dangers it is a very serious issue. According to the Department of Justice there are three types of computer crime which include attacking the computers of others, using a computer as a weapon, and using a computer to store illegal or stolen information. These crimes have very serious consequences and it is very important that students get faculty involved if they suspect any of these crimes. The online experience can be a very wonderful experience if guidelines and precautions are observed but can also be a very horrifying experience if guidelines and precautions are not observed. Communication is critical and if students have questions about any of the material pertaining to internet safety, they should get their teachers and parents involved to help with those questions.

Reference
Pollard, C., & Pollard, R. (2008). Teaching and Learning in a Digital World. Boise: ERC Publishing.
Wiredkids, Inc. (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2009, from Stop Cyberbullying: http://www.stopcyberbullying.org/index2.html