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Safe Navigationby Tamara Haspels
An internet safety report issued in 2002 by the National Academies National Research Council, concluded that no single measure “will be sufficient to protect children from online pornography” (http://www4.nationalacademies.org/news.nsf/isbn/0309082749?OpenDocumen). The report, sponsored in part by the U.S. Department of Justice and Education, was a set back to officials and policy makers who had hoped for a clear-cut strategy to address internet safety with tougher laws, policies and filter technology. While pornography is only one aspect of the ever-growing concern over internet safety, the report demonstrated the need for children to exercise their own precautionary measures while online.
The essential element of internet safety is the promotion of social and educational strategies that teach children to make wise choices on the internet. Filters and laws cannot reduce access to all inappropriate material on the internet. Crimes and harassment remain a reality of cyberspace, as are those individuals who direct their conduct toward children. The fact that these crimes are being committed is not a reason to avoid the internet. Rather, it is a reason for adults to become involved with the internet.
Teachers can promote conscientious online activities by giving students the opportunity to address online safety in the classroom and in the community. Students can do research on internet safety and create their own set of rules and guidelines for safe internet use. These rules could be posted in places throughout the school and in the community where people have access to technology. Technology centers that educate community members on how to navigate the world wide web may appreciate navigation tips and suggestions, including website recommendations, from students. Students can also develop a project or handout to educate the adults in their life about the internet and what they like to do on the internet, ensuring that their guardians stay informed about their surfing practices.
The web audience has the power to navigate a constructive and worthwhile experience on the internet. Students and adults need only be educated about the limitations of internet use and encouraged to make the web a worthwhile experience for all. Internet safety is a collective and community issue that can be best addressed by getting everybody involved. As such, internet safety is the perfect segue for a new or existing service-learning project in your classroom.
The following are just some of the internet safety guidelines students can learn to address:
- Many people on the internet may not be who they seem to be, and websites don’t necessarily tell the whole truth on a particular topic or about a product that is being sold.
- People can lie on the internet.
- The internet is not completely anonymous. People, including students, can be held accountable for what they do on the internet.
- Children should never reveal their age, their full name, their school name, their address or post pictures of themselves on the internet. It is advisable to use a fake name while using discussion forums or chat rooms. Some discussion forums and chat rooms are monitored for safety and people should not be discouraged from using them. However, it is just as critical to exercise caution in these situations.
- Child pornography or attempting a face-to-face meeting with a child through the internet is illegal. Students should be encouraged to tell an adult if they come across any activity or a website that makes them uncomfortable. Adults should know to contact local law enforcement to report inappropriate conduct.
The following websites have more great ideas and practices for building a safe internet community:
isafe – http://www.isafe.org/
Internet safety curriculum, lesson plans, newsletter, safe chat rooms
and additional resources for educators, students and communities.
Inernet safety guides for all age levels and other tools for parents, including how to identify trouble and get law enforcement
Socially Relevant Art: Service-Learning and the Philosophy of Art
Connecting Musical Performance and Service-Learning
Service-Learning, Character Education, Picture Books and Early Literacy
PSLA's Digital Divide Initiative Featured in National Service Newsletter
The President's Volunteer Service Awards Soon to be Launched
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The Pennsylvania Service-Learning Alliance dissolved as of June 30, 2007. The website will stay posted for one more year, so please share the resources. We are sorry that we will not be able to answer any questions you may have. Good luck with all your future service-learning endeavors!