Technology Solutions

Safe Social Networking

Many schools are savvy enough to block social networking sites from their networks, but that does not keep students from accessing them outside of the classroom. Social networking not only offers young people a way to express themselves and to develop friendships, but it helps teach them valuable 21st-century skills, such as using the Internet as a research tool, global communication, and developing workplace-friendly technology skills. Teachers can help students learn to use the Internet safely and to understand the responsibilities that come with using this communications medium.

FTC Guidelines

The Federal Trade Commission offers some tips and suggestions for teens regarding social networking sites:

• Do your homework. Research different social networking sites before deciding to join one. Some sites allow only a defined community of users to access posted material, while others allow complete access to everyone.
• Control the information you post. Restrict access to your page to only a select group of people, such as family, friends, or community groups.
• Keep personal information private. Never post your full name, social security number, address, phone numbers, or bank or credit card account numbers. Never post anyone else's information either. Never post personal information that could be used to identify you or your location.
• Do not create a screen name based on personal information. Do not use your name, address, age, or hometown to create a screen name.
• Use good judgment. Post only information you are comfortable with others seeing and knowing about you. Remember that everyone can view your information including parents, teachers, law enforcement officials, employers, and so on.
• Realize that information posted online is permanent. Even deleted information can be viewed through older versions that may exist on another computer.
• Be cautious about posting photos. Photos can be altered and broadcast in ways in which you have no control. If you do post a photo, make sure it is appropriate. Ask yourself if it is a photo your family would display at home.
• Trust your instincts if you have suspicions about someone online. If you feel threatened by someone or something online, tell a trusted adult immediately. Report it to the Web site and to your local police department.

As a teacher, you can remind students of the FTC guidelines whenever assigning students Web-related activities. You may also want to post the guidelines in your classroom or give each student a printed handout.

Cyberbullying

Classroom discussions about Internet safety present the perfect opportunity to bring up the subject of cyberbullying, a growing problem among social networking site users. Some estimates say that cyberbullying affects nearly one-half of all teens in the United States.

Cyberbullying can take several forms. Cyberbullies may pretend to be someone else in order to spread lies and rumors about someone else, and even pretend to be friendly with their victims to obtain revealing personal information. They may also send or forward mean-spirited text messages or e-mails, or post pictures of others without permission.

You can empower students to prevent and fight against cyberbullying by suggesting the following:

• Refuse to pass along cyberbullying messages.
• Urge friends to stay away from cyberbullying.
• Block communication with cyberbullies.
• Report cyberbullying to a trusted adult.

As Computer Education teachers know only too well, today's students must know how to incorporate technology into their lives if they are going to be successful adults. Teachers can provide students with the knowledge to use technology safely and wisely. If you would like to share your own tips for teaching Internet safety, please contact us. We will publish your ideas in upcoming editions of Technology Turning Points.

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