INTERNET SAFETY GUIDELINES
Ian Jukes, Director of the Info Savvy Group, in his article entitled “Understanding Digital Children” describes today’s children as Digital Natives and the rest of us as Digital Immigrants. Our children are the first generation to have Internet access since birth. Recent Internet usage statistics confirm this. Internet usage has grown to more than 900 million users in over 170 different countries. Today’s youth are totally at ease with digital communication, and because they have grown up clicking with mouse in hand, they are active users that demand constant interaction with their digital media. Our children are adept at instant messaging (IM), texting, social networking, blogging, online chatting, e-mailing, video games, and surfing the Web. The Internet provides our children with global access for research, communication, and collaboration. It allows them to explore new ideas, express their creativity and enhance their learning experiences. Unfortunately, the Internet also has a dark side. Cyberbullies, pornographers, and sexual predators are also a part of the Internet. For all of their technical experiences, our children do not have the life experiences to deal with this side of the Internet. Their “Not Me” attitude too many times puts them into situations that they are not prepared to handle. As Digital Immigrants, parents and teachers too often don’t have the technical skill and knowledge to help protect their children and students. The old adages of “don’t talk to a stranger,” “don’t get in the car with a stranger,” and “don’t take candy from a stranger” need to be updated for the digital age.
In 2006, the Virginia General Assembly decided to help ensure the safety of Virginia’s children by passing House Bill 58. This legislation requires that school divisions’ acceptable use policies “include a component on Internet safety for students that is integrated in a division’s instructional program.” In order to be in compliance with this legislation, Pulaski County Public Schools has developed an Internet Safety guideline. This document will make Internet safety a shared responsibility between students, parents, teachers, and community members. It will provide all stakeholders with the information and resources needed to keep the students in Pulaski County Public Schools safe while using the Internet and other digital media.