Safety First!!

The Internet has provided many benefits for students and their education. It has opened up the windows of communication and has broadened the horizons of educational topics. However, there are some safety issues that teachers, parents, and students should be aware of while assessing the Internet.

Many students today are members of social websites such as MySpace and Facebook. Members generally enter and post information, ranging from general to specific. There are also options to post pictures of themselves as well. The problem with this and young students using websites such as this is that they often will give out too much personal information, which puts them at risk to people who would take advantage of them. While it's not say that students should avoid socializing, they should be reminded to socialize in a smart manner. Students should be encouraged to not give out too much personal information about themselves.

Students also need to be respectful and considerate when having assess to technology such as Instant Messenger and cell phones. There is an increase in bullying among children in schools today. The technologic tools that students have access give students an outlet to harass other students and potentially threaten their safety. Threatening and demeaning messages can be sent via e-mail, text messages, and instant messages. Students that do receive threats should know it that it is o.k. to tell someone about it so their safety is not in jeopardy.
It should be up to parents and teachers to monitor what children are looking at and using on the Internet. There are software that can be purchased to block students from visiting and assessing that may be harmful. It is also recommended to buy software that protect from viruses and hackers, which can also pose a problem to young students that do not have experience with the Internet.