Technology+Report



** Online or Cyber-Safety and Schools **
 *  Today’s students according to Prensky (2001) are “digital natives,” they are constantly using digital tools and the internet, to keep themselves informed on topics that they are interested in, the way we would use newspapers, magazines, and books. They also multitask all the time. However, one major issue that school districts are facing is cyber-safety, keeping students safe while they are surfing online using Web 2.0 tools, chatting, or using social networking sites like Facebook. **


 *  Cyberbullies and online predators are just a couple of dangers that children can face while they are online. Hitchcock (2007) states that, “42 percent of students have been bullied on line. One in four have had it happen more than once. 35 percent have been threatened online. Nearly one in five have had it happen more than once. 21 percent have received mean or threatening emails or other messages. 58 percent admit someone has said mean or hurtful things to them online. 53 percent admit to having said something mean or hurtful to another person online. More than one in three have done it more than once. 58 percent have not told their parents or an adult about something mean or hurtful that happened to them online.” So this is not something that happens to a small portion of the students we teach, this could be affecting half of our population. **


 *  Obviously this is tied hand in hand with technology; students are accessing the internet from both computers and smartphones. Schoool districts are going to have to have a policy that addresses online safety, because it is not just an issue for the parents to teach. Adelman (2004) states: “Though parents should be aware of dangers their children can face online, all middle level students who use the Internet or discussion groups need to be taught to protect themselves and others.” When looking at the National Technology Standards you can see that Standard 2 is dedicated to online safety and the ethical use of the technology. Another reason for school districts to be concerned with cyber safety is financial. Schools and school districts that used federal funds must train students and staff on cyber safety, if they want to gain access to E-rate funds, Title II funds, or funds from No Child Left Behind. **


 *  There are many online sites that could be used to train our staff and students. One such site is NetSmartz ( [|www.netsmartz.org] ), according to Joseph (2007) it is an educational resource for children, parents, and teachers on how to stay safer on the Internet. Through the site teachers can access videos to show the students how to handle online situations. Another site with resources and tools is WiredSafety ( [|www.wiredsafety.org] ), Joseph (2007) states that wired safety is an online safety and help group that includes more than 9,000 volunteers working in four areas: helping victims of cybercrime and harassment, assisting law enforcement on preventing and investigating cybercrime, education, and providing information about online safety, privacy, and security. **

**Works Cited **
 * Adelman, H. (2004). Teaching Online Safety. //Voices from the Middle.// March, p 17. **
 * Hitchcock, J. (2007). Cyberbullies, Online Predators, and What to Do About Them. //MultiMedia & Internet@Schools// May/June, p 13-15. **
 * International Society for Technology in Education (2007). //National Educational Technology Standards (NETS*S) and Performance Indicators for Students.// **
 * Joseph, L. (2007). Keeping Safe in Cyberspace. //MultiMedia and Internet@Schools// Jan/Feb p. 17-20. **
 * Prensky, M. (2001).Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants. //On the Horizon// October **