Journal 7

Internet Safety: A whole School Approach
By Greg Taranto
This article describes the Canonsburg Middle School approach to teaching healthy decision making on the internet. This middle school has educated students through technology education coursework, classroom discussions, assemblies and by giving the students access to the district's Internet Safety Web site. The author of this article, Greg Taranto, was determined to educate students on the proper use of this powerful tool. In 2000 Greg was a middle school science teacher, he gave a presentation to his class regarding internet safety which actually reached a few students. But he wanted to go bigger! When he becaome an administrator he decided to try and reach as many students as possible by sending an important message: Internet safety is important! He implemented this message by requiring all seventh grade students to take two six-week classes called Technology Applications and middle school issues. A week of these classes are dedicated to Internet Safety which covers cyberbullying, protecting personal or private information, handling a threatening or harassing situation, rules for Internet etiquette, and ways to determine the validity of information found on the Internet. The internet is a great tool of students, the amount of information presented via internet is endless. However, so is the amount of inappropriate sites that can easily be accessed by students. By having the correct guidance, students are more likely to use the internet as an education tool.
Are these classes only for students or can parents get involved too?
Parents can also be informed about the dangers on the internet. "Canonsberg Middle school also holds informational meetings with parents on a yearly basis to give a comrehensive presentation on their role in helping develop responsible students" It is very important that parents get involved and realize that this is an issue everyone should be aware of.
Do students get to voice their opinion on what they feel are appropriate sites?
Yes! In the classes students are encouraged to "discuss how the Internet is used in a positive way and also how they might have negative experiences." It seems myspace is a popular site that students love to talk about and defend as a responsible site.