.png)
In today's digital era, teaching cyber safety is a critical responsibility for educators. As students navigate the online world, it is essential to equip them with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves and make responsible choices. Here are some tips and strategies teachers can use in the classroom to ensure that all students are learning key concepts.
1. Start With the Basics
Cyber safety for students is a complex body of knowledge to tackle, so it makes sense to teach the simplest and most important concepts first. Start by teaching kids about what online “privacy” means (and what it doesn’t), how to create safe passwords, and how to behave ethically on social media. Scaffold lessons based on age appropriateness and gradually introduce more advanced topics like cyberbullying, digital footprints, and recognizing scams or phishing attempts.
2. Promote Open Dialogues
Create a safe and open space for students to discuss their experiences and concerns related to online safety. Establish a classroom environment where students feel comfortable sharing their online experiences and seeking guidance. Encourage open and non-judgmental dialogue about cyberbullying, privacy concerns, and digital well-being.
3. Use Inclusive Teaching Delivery Methods and Aids
Incorporate strategies that address the diverse needs of students, including those with intellectual disabilities. Children who have disabilities like LD, ADHD, ASD, and emotional or behavioral disorders can be more vulnerable to online security threats and bullying than typically abled children.
Use visual aids that incorporate memorable cyber safety images as well as assistive technology and differentiated instruction to engage all learners. Provide clear instructions, break down complex concepts, and offer support to ensure understanding and active participation. Explore resources for doing this here.
4. Foster Digital Citizenship Through Critical Thinking Skills
Emphasize the importance of responsible digital citizenship. Create a classroom culture that promotes ethical online behavior and respectful communication. Encourage students to think critically about the content they encounter and to engage in positive online interactions. This applies not only to entertainment and socializing, but to using online sources responsibly at school and work. Teach older students why they should verify source credibility, analyze content for bias, cite sources, respect copyright laws, and avoid plagiarism.
5. Collaborate With Parents and Guardians
Engage parents and guardians as partners in teaching cyber safety. Assign internet safety-related homework so caregivers know what their children are learning and how to help. Share resources, tips, and strategies for promoting safe online behavior at home. Encourage open communication between parents, teachers, and students to ensure a consistent approach.
6. Invite a Guest Speaker to Your School
Ask your principal or school administrator to organize an internet safety-related assembly with an expert guest speaker. Assembly presentations can be a great way to engage students in cybersecurity learning outside of a classroom setting. It can help students to think about new aspects of internet safety, ask more questions, and deepen their understanding of this critical subject.
Teach Kids Safe Tech Use With Net Positive
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Utah County is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens and leaders. We accomplish this by providing evidence-based programs with a focus on those that improve academic engagement, build character, and improve healthy behaviors.
Our Net Positive Program educates K-12 students about digital safety, health, citizenship, and leadership. After participating in our program, students are 97% better prepared to face internet dangers. Contact us to learn more and ask your school to schedule a Net Positive Presentation today!
References
Brann, Alise. “Teaching Students with Disabilities about Online Safety.” LD OnLine, www.ldonline.org/ld-topics/educational-technology/teaching-students-disabilities-about-online-safety. Accessed 30 June 2023.
Dickenson, Patricia. “Getting Kids to Take Online Safety Seriously.” Edutopia, 26 Feb. 2021, www.edutopia.org/article/getting-kids-take-online-safety-seriously/.
“Internet Safety for Teachers.” AVID Open Access, 3 Aug. 2021, avidopenaccess.org/resource/internet-safety-for-teachers/.
“Teaching Students with Disabilities About Online Safety: Power up What Works.” Teaching Students with Disabilities about Online Safety | Power Up What Works, powerupwhatworks.org/technology/teaching-students-disabilities-about-online-safety. Accessed 12 June 2023.
Comentarios