Helping Students Become

Cyber Savvy and Internet Safe

Carol D. Heinse

Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA)

What the Law Says

•Technology Protection Measure•Internet Safety Policy •Public Notice and Hearing

What the Law Says

Affordable broadband for all Americans that is comparable to

broadband service in similar communities in other countries

Broadband Data Improvement ActEnacted October, 2008

Cyber Savvy: Supporting Safe and Responsible Internet Use

A Web 2.0 Approach to Internet SafetyNancy Willard

Nancy E. Willard, M.S., J.D. is a former educator and attorney who has focused on youth online risk issues for more than a decade. She is director of the Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use and Cyberbully.org.

What the Research Says

•Student use of Web 2.0 technologies is expanding, along with incredible opportunities for interactive educational activities.•Filtering systems are not the solution they were promised to be.•The Web 1.0 Internet safety approach -- based on simplistic, fear-based rules -- is ineffective for today’s tweens and teens.

a child between middle childhood and adolesence, usually between 8 and 12 years old--The Free Online Dictionary

The Research—Nancy Willard

We must go beyond the simple rules of Internet use that we have for younger children. ‘Tweens and teens need to know:

•what the risks are•how to avoid risky situations•how to detect whether they are at risk•how to respond effectively•when to ask for help•how to make good choices

The Research—Nancy Willard

•Reinforce that school technology is for educational use only.•Supervise students closely when working on the Internet in addition to filtering/blocking software in place.•Educate students (and staff) on what to do if they accidentally see inappropriate material on the school’s network.•Educate students on the appropriate use of web 2.0 tools (e-mail, social networking, texting, etc.).•Apply and reinforce meaningful consequences for misuse of the Internet.

The Research—Nancy WillardProactive Steps to Student Internet Safety at School

•Madison County Schools have an AUP in place which is signed by students and staff at the beginning of each year.•Our elementary school does an excellent job of teaching Internet safety in computer labs throughout the year.•Basic Internet safety is taught in all grades K-5.•Our school has in place a Safety Plan and an Anti-Bullying Plan which could be amended to include Internet safety issues.

How are We Doing?

•Update the AUP to include specific mention of Web 2.0 tools such as social networks, texting, and other tools used for Internet access.•Spend more time during the year to make sure all stakeholders understand the AUP signed at the beginning of the year.•Improve parental access to information regarding student rights, responsibilities, and consequences of Internet use.

What Could We Improve?

• Assure that instruction done in the computer labs extends to the classroom.

• Provide lessons which teach upper elementary students (ages 8-12) about the risks of Internet use.

• Include students in the dialog and execution of plans to spread the word about Internet safety.

• Hold school events for parents and students which incorporate sharing information and celebrating student achievement in the area of technology.

What Could We Improve?

•Parent workshops/PTA presentations•Tech Night workshops/celebrations•Information in school Newsletters and on Websites•Internet Safety Resources for Parents in Library

How Can We Help Parents?

•Increase instruction regarding use of Web 2.0 tools.•E-mail, chat rooms, text, social networks

•Provide visuals such as posters as constant reminders of rules regarding Internet safety.•Air short video tips for staying safe on the Internet on the morning TV news.•Videotape student members of the Technology Team presenting information.

•Dedicate space on school websites to Internet Safety.

How Can We Help Students?

•Willard, Nancy E. Cyber Savvy: Supporting Safe and Responsible Internet Use. A Web 2.0 Approach to Internet Safety http://www.education-world.com/a_tech/columnists/willard/willard008.shtml•http://www.usac.org/sl/applicants/step10/cipa.aspx•http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/broadband_initiatives.html• www.netsmartz.org•www.BrainPop.com •www.ikeepsafe.org

Resources