Internet Safety

 Brooklyn Junior students are using the internet via school computers on a regular basis.  On the school-wide computer network, the district provides certain safety filters which block students from viewing inappropriate content.  Students are also not allowed to access personal email, my space, or face accounts while in our labs.  They also are not to be listening to music and aimlessly search the net.  Students are in the lab to complete specific, guided course content. 

The internet is a powerful and useful tool.  We are able to have students gather and explore information from around the world.  They are able to take virtual tours or write interactive stories, to name a couple of exciting activities.  Unfortunately there are some dangers to young internet users.

While safety measures are in place on our school campus, there are not always filters to protect your child at home.  Some students create my space or face book pages at home, or at a friends’ house, and reveal too much personal information.  It is difficult to know exactly who is chatting with or trying to meet your child.  Predators can easily access a student’s information here and lie about themselves making it easy to exploit young teenagers. Teenagers may also be involved in dangerous activities such as drugs or cutting. 

It can also be troublesome for students to present themselves in an unflattering manner online.  More and more employers and colleges/universities are looking up individual’s internet histories.  If these employers or institutions discover negative information they may determine that your child is not acceptable for their position or school.  Knowing what your child in involved in and what they are saying online can help their future as well.

Use of electronic devices within school, during the school day, is another problematic situation.  Not only are devices distracting and unnecessary for classroom learning, but cell phones, blackberries, and ipods have been used to cheat or bully.  Students cheat by looking up or downloading answers to test questions and even texting answers to friends.  These devices have been used to bully by sending harassing messages, excluding, or taking unflattering/embarrassing images to be posted or passed around.  This bullying behavior can also take place online via email, my space, or face book programs.  It has even gone to threatening extremes, causing children to be injured by others or to injure themselves.

In an effort to educate both students and parents about these, and other, internet concerns, please check the following links out to find out about potential hazards to your student’s well-being.