Internet Use/Abuse

During my last stage I encountered a group of girls who had learned to use web blogging to their advantage to bully classmates outside of school. When this topic was brought up in class, some people suggested that there be a section in the curriculum that covers behavior to try to prevent these things from happening. I think that this is a very good suggestion because how students/ young people choose to use media tools is part of media literacy. 

These tools are a privilege; if students are being asked to use different forms of media in the classroom, they should also prove that they know how to use them responsibly. 

Most classrooms have a set of rules or behavior codes that are agreed upon at the beginning of the year. It is important that the same rules, in terms of respect and academic excellence should be upheld when working on the internet. This will ensure that all entries/posts be appropriate as well as eliminate the tendency some children have to use abbreviated text when chatting online. 

Periodic monitoring/screening is essential to ensure that the guidelines are being followed.