Technological advances have forever changed the way that
children communicate. The days of fancy,
folded paper and phone calls are no longer the primary avenues used to send a
message and talk with friends. Online
instant messenger programs allow teens to connect with their contacts anytime
they are online or in possession of smart phones. These programs are incredibly easy to use and
have become one of the main ways that teens communicate.
There are however, some safety concerns that come with
programs like this. The Kid’s Internet
Safety Alliance (KINSA) has produced a screen casted safety program that shows
parents how to monitor their child’s contacts and conversations and keep personal
information, personal. Every parent and
teacher should be aware of how these programs work and they should help
children weigh the benefits and risks that are present when engaging in these
types of technologies.
Thank you for the post, Amber! This is so important and critical in integrating technology into the classroom and beyond. Just as we are taught to "be aware of our surroundings", being our physical surroundings, we need to be aware of our virtual surroundings as well. We need to teach our children and students the importance of Internet safety just as we would teach them to beware of a stranger who approaches them. As teachers, and more importantly as parents, we need to take an active role in our childrens' online activity and behavior by monitoring, guiding and watching them just as we would in a physical setting.
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