Everyone has had a mentor in life. Sometimes that individual is a parent. A young person may look to another relative or a wise neighbour for guidance through life. For many young people, probably more often than you may think, a child looks up to and is guided by a teacher who not only provides formal instruction in specific subjects but also provides important “life” information.
This last relationship existed long before the advent of the Internet and the World Wide Web, of course. Communities have always protected children as the greatest asset of the human race. Still, some of those young people were misinformed, led astray, even physically harmed by other individuals. Technology has added a new facet to the complexity of life, offering both unlimited opportunities and new dangers.
Teachers and E-Safety
Teachers are in a unique position to present information on this essential subject. Using this forum for teaching children about online safety (Internet safety, web safety) would complement and enhance efforts such as Safer Internet Day, Get Safe Online and other programs. The need for safety online covers a range of specific areas, including keeping personal information and identity secure as well as ensuring personal safety.
E safety training for schools can address these concerns and others such as phishing, scamming and hacking. But it would be most important for teachers to discuss personal safety with students at a very young age, because children are often targets of malicious individuals. The list of potential threats includes cyberstalking, in which one individual uses the Internet and social media to stalk or harass another.
This activity could involve false accusations, threats, even solicitation of minors for sexual purposes. One study shows assault rates with about one case in four using electronic methods. Parents are increasingly concerned about cyberbullying, in which a young person is abused or intimidated through messaging, social media or email. A 2014 study shows 25 percent of teenagers report they’ve experienced bullying on their cell phone or on the Internet. More than half of all young people report being bullied online.
Focused Programs
Preparing teaching staff for this opportunity is the goal of focused programs such as the National Online Safety (NOS) digital course for primary schools and secondary schools. Completion of such training puts staff and administrators in line with Ofsted requirements (Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills).
This office is charged with overseeing services that “care for children and young people, and services providing education and skills for learners of all ages.” NOS courses and training programs can prepare a school’s entire staff to be trained, certified and prepared for Ofsted inspection.
The Internet can be a valuable tool for education, but it’s important for parents and teachers to understand the risks of time spent online.
For decades, adults have advised children not to talk to strangers in person, but too often these same children don’t understand the dangers posed by strangers online. When teachers have a good relationship with children they can help young people understand there are people in the virtual world who also have terrible intentions.
