Internet SafetySouthern Cross Christian COOP

Grades 6 - 8

Who has their own computer?

Who has their own computer in their room?

Who has their own mobile device?

Who can go online?

With parent supervision?

Without parent supervision?

How Many of You Have an Internet Filter on Your Computer?

Who has there own email address?

Who has a Facebook account?

Who has talked with their parents about being online?

What have they told you?

What’s the Big Deal About Internet Safety?

Did You Know...

1 in 5 young people report receiving an inappropriate solicitation in the last year (girls targeted twice as often as boys)

6 of 10 teens received an email or instant message from a perfect stranger- 63% responded to the stranger

50% of online teens have corresponded via IM or email with people they have never met (when asked, most teens say they do not tell their parents when a stranger contacts them)

30% of girls have been inappropriately harassed in a chat room- 7% told their mom or dad

55% of children ages 12-15 say they do not tell their parents everything they do online

75% of girls say their parents have rules for Internet use- 43% admit to breaking those rules.

*From Focus on the Family

Digital Footprints

Traces left by someone's activity in a digital environment. There are two main classifications for digital footprints, passive and active. A passive digital footprint is created when data is collected about an action without any client activation (clicking on pop-up ads, accessing websites). Active digital footprints are created when personal data is released deliberately by a user for the purpose of sharing information about oneself (Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, etc...) -Wikipedia

Internet Safety Pledge/Guidelines(sample)

I will talk with my parents about THEIR expectations and ground rules for going online.

I will keep my identity private.

I will NEVER respond to any online communication that makes me feel uncomfortable.

I will NEVER meet in person with anyone I have first “met” online without discussing it with my parents.

I will respect other people’s rights while online.

CyberBullying

Can occur through a computer, webcam, cell phone, or other portable device, as well as in person. This form of bullying can be more damaging than the traditional form because it can be a continuous, 24 hour, occurrence.

Common Forms of Cyberbullying

Flaming and Trolling- sending or posting hostile messages intended to “inflame” the emotions of others.

Happy-Slapping- recording someone being harassed or bullied, then posting the video online for public viewing.

Photoshopping- doctoring images so that the main subject is placed in a compromising or embarrassing situation.

Physical Threats- sending messages that involve threats to a person’s physical safety.

Rumor Spreading- spreading gossip through email, text messaging, or social networking sites.

Video on Cyberbullying

http://www.netsmartz.org/stories/feathers.htm

Warning Signs of Cyberbullying

Avoids the computer, cell phone, and other techy devices.

Withdraws from family and friends, or acts reluctant to attend church or other social events.

Avoids conversations about using a computer.

Exhibits low self-esteem.

Displays signs of depression or fear.

Does not eat or sleep.

How to Deal with Cyberbullying

INFORM YOUR PARENTS!

Do NOT respond to rude and harassing emails, messages, and comments.

Keep a record of the harassment; including the date, time, and description of the incidence.

Keep personal information private- NEVER give out your usernames and passwords (except to your parents)

What is Facebook?

Facebook is a social network service and website launched in February 2004 that is operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc.

As of July 2010 Facebook has more than 500 million active users, which is about one person for every fourteen in the world.

Users may create a personal profile, add other users as friends and exchange messages, including automatic notifications when they update their profile.

Users may also join common interest user groups, organized by workplace, school, or college, or other characteristics.

The name of the service stems from the colloquial name for the book given to students at the start of the academic year by university administrations in the US with the intention of helping students to get to know each other better.

Facebook allows anyone who declares themselves to be at least 13 years old to become a registered user of the website. *******

Information provided by Wikipedia

Should a Christian Facebook?

• Positives? Negatives?

What would the Bible say about Facebook?

Exodus 20:3-5

1 Corinthians 10:31

Matthew 12:36

Proverbs 16:28

Proverbs 27:17

What are some more passages?

Remember...

Anything you do or say/post online creates a digital record

Nothing online is totally private, even if you intend it to be

Once digitized, information can be saved, sent and reposted elsewhere (cell phone pictures)

A good rule of thumb: If you don’t want a parent, future employer, or college admissions office to know something, don’t post it online

Final Thoughts

Being Online- Ask Yourself?

Has if become a god to you?

Has it become a graven image?

Does it cause you to use the Lord’s name in vain?

Does it give you the peace of the Lord or does it agitate you?

Am I honoring those in authority over me (ie. parents)?

Is this technology honoring to life- is it real?

Are you “loving your neighbor as yourself” with it?

Do you honor your time with it?

Does it cause you to fall?