Today, we live a society where technology is a huge factor in everything we do. From researching for homework to playing video games like FortNite, the internet is an incubator for knowledge and danger. It is important that teachers and parents guide their students/children in the right direction and establish what is dangerous and harmless. In the article, “How to Teach Internet Safety to Younger Elementary Students,” Mary Beth Hertz encourages all schools to introduce internet safety to children as young as Kindergarten. However, in order to introduce this topic teachers must introduce the difference between “stranger danger” or someone who is harmless.
Hertz starts the lesson by asking students the characteristics of a stranger. Make it clear that not all strangers are harmful or dangerous. Those who are suspicious will usually ask for the number, address, or full name. Create a list of things that are okay and not okay to answer to a stranger. There are so many users on the internet it is important to monitor our students. Giving students an example of “stranger danger” is helpful. To make sure students comprehend how to be internet safe, act out different scenarios to check for understanding. It’s never too early to have kids be cautious when on the web.
Love the pic!
I will be sure to bring elements of this lesson into my classroom. Thank you!
I think this is extremely important for students who are always on social media and seeing this generation constantly interacting with technology. One thing that is important to note, is that teachers will not only bring awareness for those students who think everyone is dangerous when a stranger reaches out, but also for the students who believe everyone is “harmless.”
Internet safety is extremely important to teach all children today and should definitely be taught in the classroom. You provided very useful lessons that can be used in the class to teach students about internet safety.
Great points! I agree that in this digital age, we need to talk to our students about stranger danger online. I think your idea of acting out scenarios and giving students examples is a good way for kids to understand. I will definitely use those in the classroom with my students.