Blog 8

Internet Safety in the Classroom

Internet safety is a crucial area for teachers to gain an understanding and consider what children have access to when using the internet. It is our responsibility as teachers to be aware of and prevent issues concerning internet safety which children should be taught (Wasson, 2012). There are many resources available online to help this process such as; http://www.webwisekids.org/ and http://mediasmarts.ca/. The internet is engaging and educational, although some people mis-use and abuse it which causes problems. Teachers need to celebrate the positive aspects of children’s experiences.

The negative impact on children using the internet is being exposed to inappropriate images which need to be addressed so that children can use the internet safely through blocking inappropriate websites and pages. During my secondary school, the teachers laid out the computers so they were positioned around the walls of the room, so the teacher had a clear view of every screen. This method is supported by Cennamo et al (2013).There was also software that the teachers used to monitor what each of the children’s screens showed and could take control by sending messages. However, at home it is the parents/carers role to ensure the same actions are taken, as teachers have no control over what children are exposed to in this environment.

Steps need to be taken to ensure that personal information is not shared, so that children are aware how to protect themselves. In schools, I have seen posters with information to inform children of internet safety rules. Cyber bullying is a growing concern which should be addressed in schools, most likely seen in PSHE sessions. It is vital that teachers educate themselves on the topic of cyber bullying in order to pass on information how to avoid it in school (Wasson, 2012). This makes children aware of what cyber bullying is and the dangers of it, including a useful website: http://cybersmartcurriculum.org.

The Department for Education (2013) puts forward the requirement for teachers to be able to teach children a safe way to use technology and what to do if they have any concerns. It is also very important that trainees are careful with what information they allow to be seen on the internet through social network sites. We must be professional both in the classroom and outside of school, to ensure that profiles are private and are in control of who sees images and posts made. The website KidSMART found at the address: http://www.kidsmart.org.uk/ is highly recommended for classroom activities to help children learn how to use the internet safely. Teachers need to be able to know how to identify and support children whose well-being is affected and when to refer them to specialist support. Becta (2008) provides advice and guidance to schools on all aspects of E-safety for teachers to follow. The internet is beneficial to use in schools, but in a safe way.  

Becta (2008) Safeguarding Children in a Digital World guidance for Local Safeguarding Boards. Coventry

Cennamo, K., Ross, J. and Ertmer, P. (2013) Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-Based Approach. (2^nd Edition) Stamford: Cengage Learning.

Department for Education. (2013) ‘Computing programmes of study: key stages 1 and 2’. [pdf] Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/239033/PRIMARY_national_curriculum_-_Computing.pdf (Accessed: 19.03.2014).

Wasson, E. (2012) Be Safe! Internet Safety in the Classroom. [www] Available from: http://erinwasson.weebly.com/1/post/2012/09/be-safe-internet-safety-in-the-classroom.html (Accessed: 19.03.2014).