Online Safety Videos

Despite the irony that I found these on YouTube, here are two short videos that present about internet safety. 

 

The first video consists of basic guidelines for internet usage. This can be shown to younger children just beginning to browse the web. These guidelines can be incorporated into classroom lessons when students use the internet for assignments.  In fact, I believe a video of this nature, or perhaps one explaining what is actually "out there" on the internet, SHOULD be shown by teachers before they permit students to use technology in school.

The second video is more specific to online social media but presents a discussion between (I believe) a mother and son. The mother is questioning her son about the availability of what is posted or uploaded to the internet and the lack of privacy that surrounds it. It's a good example of the healthy communication lines and shared information that I blogged about here. 

Sharing in Technology Use

Blogs created by parents with their children in mind, probably have honest and relevant information. As a parent, making searching the internet fun, is encouragement for children. Helping them gain comfort and not fear the use of a computer or other technological tools, can lead to positive use.

One mom blogs about the responsibility and importance her role has on her children in this blog:

http://www.healthymomskitchen.com/

This idea can be expanded by creating a mother-child recipe/cooking blog. The parent-child team can search recipes, prepare menus, and cook meals, together. This would be a very healthy way for a child to gain enjoyment from the latest ways of using technology. 

Fellow classmate's blogs with the same topic:

The first blog, about proper use of technology and its social effects, focuses on bullying on the internet.

http://yousocialbully.blogspot.com/

The second link, pointing to a blog about safety in internet usage, takes an interesting approach. The blog focuses on being a part of the solution to cyber-bulling.

http://atwinbushtechsafety.blogspot.com/

The third blog includes a post similar to my own. What are the roles of parents in terms of protecting children from the "scary" of the internet?

http://wavesintech.blogspot.com/

Who is responsible for children's proper use of technology?

Technology is everywhere. In schools, lessons are presented and goals are achieved with the use of various technologies. Children and young adults literally have the world wide web at their fingertips and easily accessible.

How can parents and teachers help to ensure children are safe and protected when exploring the internet?

 

The blog below, designed by a parent, has outlined 5 basic guidelines parents or teachers can follow to help children feel comfortable and safe with using technology:

http://www.confessionsofaparent.com/technology-your-kids-5-guidelines-for-healthy-use/

The fifth guideline, full disclosure, can stretch far beyond the use of technology. I believe this guideline to be one of the most important. In any relationship, especially one between parent and child, communication is one of the most important factors. The dynamic of a relationship, specifically communication, established by a parent, helps determine how the relationship will exist and grow. Open and honest communication can allow a child to properly learn, use, and share technology. Perhaps children who are encouraged to communicate positively with their parents, are less inclined to hide their improper use of technology. Sharing thoughts and building a positive relationship can easily extend to a child's proper and safe use of technology.