Norms and Responsibilities

It is difficult to know how much access it is appropriate to give children at each age. How much do we control their access, especially at an early age, and how much do we process through situations that come up together? Personally, I believe it important to be very diligent as a teacher in protecting my students by restricting their Internet access, or at least the websites they have access to. It is difficult to be able to pay adequate attention to each child when I have a large class size to monitor.

I have found that even on sites such as Google Images, inappropriate images come up, even with the strictest filter. One option is to restrict their Internet access to educational and appropriate sites, which have been analyzed beforehand.

However, as children get older I believe it is important to prepare them to use technology appropriately. It is important to have conversations about the advantages and dangers of technology.

I believe students should have the right to learn how to proficiently use technology that will be needed in the working world. I believe they have the rights to be treated with respect, and to have safety in the digital world.

Students need to be responsible to treat others respectfully, stay on relevant and appropriate websites, and to protect the safety and rights of others.

Since we know that children of all ages are exposed to some form of digital equipment, the teaching of "Digital Citizenship" should begin immediately. Early learning is the best prevention with students engaging in inapproiate usage. Respect for our digital resources should be incorporated in our efforts to teach any respect skill. It should be taught in a manner without introducing fear but awareness. Thanks for your post, I enjoyed your perspective.