Inappropriate Use of Digital Media-Carrie Gaul

I have received and seen inappropriate pictures posted on Facebook by "friends" which are either inappropriate in content with an inappropriate joke or a picture.  It makes me feel very uncomfortable. In the past I have let the person know, to try to guide them in preventing it from happening again.  

Another inappropriate use of digital media could be children or students signing up for accounts without permission or without meeting the age requirements.  

Another inappropriate use could be postings on social media or typed replies to forums that include hurtful comments/bullying.  

I think that it is important to prevent these situations from happening by educating students, and by practicing and modeling appropriate use.  We can encourage our children and students to think twice before posting on social media, to re-read before sending an email and before sending comments entered in an online format.  A longer wait time can be encouraged before replying to posts or messages that make a person emotional or upset.  Our children and students can also be taught that there are consequences for inappropriate actions.  They can range from hurt feelings and the loss of friendships to law enforcement involvement.  Also consequences may include being kicked out of clubs or extra-curricular activities, or job loss. They can have lasting effects such as the compromising of future jobs and relationships.