Norms and Responsibilities

I feel that all students should be required to take a course in Digital Citizenship prior to being given district laptops (or any other devices with access to the internet). How many parents are giving children I-phones at a young age without first learning about Digital Citizenship; rights, risks, and responsibilities?  Let's be proactive rather than reactive.

Totally agree with Teresa. As a society, we buy things because they are the best (name brand), best looking, or whatever, but we never really know their true capabilities.  I remember getting the simplest phones for my kids only when they hit high school and needed rides home from activities.  It seems now, that children have better phones than their parents and I know they can do a whole lot more on them than I can.

I completely agree - PROACTIVE rather than REACTIVE! Definitely to define expectations prior to doling out technology in any environment!

I think your right with your comment "Let's be proactive.." I think school systems are moving toward educating parents too.  Starting in 5th grade, my community school is 1:1.  In an effort to communicate the importance of appropriate use, care, and safety, the school has a parent meeting prior to handing out devices. I think this helps parents realize that school cannot always monitor what students are doing outside  school.  When the device goes home, parents need to make an effort to keep kids safe online.