The world-wide worry

Teaching tSamariki about dangers lurking online

By Michaela Pointon

Online safety is more important than ever. Teaching our tamariki about the potential dangers of online spaces and the permanence of choosing to share photos online is a modern-day aspect of school being taught regularly.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) says there are many benefits to learning with digital technologies such as laptops or tablets, but are also some challenges for students and schools.

MOE has developed a new ‘Digital Technology: Safe and responsible use in schools guide’ to provide principals and teachers with information to act confidently with regards to technology.

The guide is designed to support teachers to understand ways young people use technology, how to deal with or prevent issues, as well as understanding the law regarding what teachers can do within technology spaces. Netsafe is an organisation designed to support kura and whānau navigate the digital spaces with their children. There are many resources available including an ‘Online Safety Parent Toolkit’ - a simple and practical seven step framework to help support parenting in a rapidly changing digital world.

“Netsafe has assembled in one easy to use toolkit all the things parents consistently say they want to know about in the online safety space.

“From online bullying to grooming to social media to sexting and screen time - Netsafe has collated information, advice and tips to equip parents, whānau and caregivers with the skills to support their young people.”

Teachers may advise parents to take the opportunity to look further into the Netsafe toolkit, if they believe some families may need extra support or guidance in this ever-changing area of learning.

Particularly with the increase of technology being used as a digital tool for learning, the need for clear expectations in the classroom need to be implemented from the start.

Netsafe have a ‘Netsafe Kete’ available specifically for teachers to support learning in a digital environment. Inside this kete includes a collection of ‘Student user agreement’ forms, specifically for a direct conversation between teachers and students to be held surrounding rules of technology. Students can sign the forms as an agreement to treat technology in the classroom with respect. These conversations should not feel confrontational, rather openended where students can ask questions and be curious about online spaces.

When teaching older students, it may be important to discuss the permanence of sharing photos online. Supporting students to understand the potential negative impact on their futureselves from their digital footprint is imperative.

Netsafe says, “Your digital footprint is the trail of ‘electronic breadcrumbs’ you leave behind when you use the internet. It can include the websites you visit, photos uploaded and interactions with other people on social media.”

They say integrating technology into the recruitment and selection process is not new. “It’s only a matter of time before our personal lives cross over into professional lives, which is why it’s worth thinking about your digital footprint,” Netsafe says. Tips for older students include reviewing privacy settings and checking socials to remove language or pictures, which may be embarrassing or offensive. Often students may find it difficult to imagine the impact of internet usage on their futureselves. It’s important to discuss with students how their digital footprint lasts forever.

Although it is not the sole responsibility of teachers to teach their students about digital safety, expectations of classroom usage of technology should be explained. The world of technology is exciting and can be greatly beneficial to learning.

Online safety and continuing to develop our understanding of how technology and learning work together is important. Technology and social media are not ‘going away’ anytime soon. Finding a positive middle-ground where learning and fun shared experiences happen online is how we can move into the future.

To find out more about Netsafe and the resources they have available to teachers and families, make sure to visit: netsafe.org.nz.