Internet Safety

1. What were the most important things I learned from the readings?
That there are ways to try and prevent bad things from happening to you on the internet; there are ways to be safe, but nothing is a guarantee.

2. How will what I have read influence my actions as a parent and/or teacher of children and youth?
I don't remember where I first heard or read about being safe on the internet, but I feel like a lot of what I read or saw were things that I already knew. So, I definitely feel that the earlier you understand how to be safe, and that its important to be safe on the internet the better. My children will definitely have strict rules about internet use.

3. How can I use what I have learned from the reading to have a positive influence on family and friends?
They have already heard about what I have learned, so I hope that it will help them with their understanding their efforts to be safe on the internet.

4. Am I aware of the benefits and dangers children face when online with cyber bullying and online predators? Do I know how to prevent cyberbullying?
Yes. There have been a lot of news stories about kids committing suicide because of cyberbullying. The only thing that I can think of is DO NOT let kids meet strangers on the internet and DO NOT let kids join social networking programs until they're old enough to discern their friends from bullies.

5. Where can I go for information and resources that can be used to teach internet safety?
There were quite a few sites like iSafe and PBS videos that can help teach internet safety.

6. What internet safety issues am I likely to face as a teacher and how will I address them?
Well, kids might use the internet at school to look up bad websites, or to connect with people online. Giving students assignments that use the internet will also give them more exposure and time online.

7. How can I leverage the power of the Internet so students can learn, but in a safe way?
Have assignments where students use internet sites that teach safety. Using secure sites for assignments.