Tuned into Tech Internet Safety Webquest

  The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently published a report and “Notice of Inquiry” in regards to the topic of, “Empowering Parents and Protecting Children in an Evolving Media Landscape”.  In this publication, the FCC representatives stated, “The rise in Internet use by children plays a significant role in their exposure to more forms of media. For instance, according to a Pew study analyzing data from 2006, 93 percent of American children ages 12 to 17 accessed the Internet. The number of applications children are using online are increasing as well: children are now heavily involved on social networking sites, share videos on sites such as YouTube and GoogleVideo, and share artwork, photos, stories, and videos online.”  We have to keep in mind that the internet is used by a global community.  It was not simply designed for 12- 17 year olds.  While it is true that law abiding citizens make use of the internet, it is also true that pedophiles, and scammers also access the world wide web everyday.  With its rise in popularity amoung 12-17 year olds, one must question how safe the internet is for our young and impressionable youth. 

  In a recent study(2008) entitled, “Teens, Online Stranger Contact and Cyberbullying” conducted by the Pew Internet Project reports that, “32% of online teens have been contacted by a complete stranger”.  That is really quite scary- almost 1/3 of the teenagers studied received uninvited contact!  Of those teens, “23% were made scared or uncomfortable by the stranger contact”.  Fortunately, most teens knew how to react to the unwanted attention.  Most ignored or deleted requests, some told adults and some told the stranger to leave them alone.  Unfortunately, of those that received stranger contact, 21% responded in order to find out more about the stranger.  How safe is that?

  In this same report, 32% of the nearly 1,600 children surveyed reported that they had experienced cyberbullying.  Most of the participants that reported being victims of cyberbullying were older (aged 15-17 years) teenage girls.  Though these young ladies are close to adulthood, they can still be deeply hurt by the mean intentions of other online users.  The Cyberbullying 2010:  What the Research Tells Us report states that “cyberbullying is broadly associated with school violence, delinquency, and suicidal ideation.”.  Teenagers who have been bullied also have higher risk for substance abuse, depression and psychological problems, weapon carrying, poor parent/ guardian relationships, and higher rates of sexual abuse and physical abuse victimization.   The same Pew Internet Project report states that, “39% of social network users have experienced cyberbullying online.”  That is more than 1/3 of the youth surveyed!   And just a few years prior in 2007, 16% of online teens reported having private material forwarded without their permission, 13% had received threatening messages, another 13% had someone spread a rumor about them online, and 6% had an embarrassing picture of themselves posted online without their permission.  (Cyberbullying 2010: What the research tells us, 2010)   If nearly a third of the youth surveyed experienced cyberbullying in some facet or another, does that make the internet safe for our youth to use in an unrestricted manner?  

  Our youth’s privacy is also at stake when they go online.  Innocent attempts to participate in social networking or instant messaging groups can prove to be hazardous.  Of the 1,600 teens surveyed in 2006 and 2007, 49% admitted to posting pictures of themselves, 44% said they had online profiles, and 53% flirted online.  Each of these components contribute to the likelihood of being contacted by a stranger.  What seems to be a friendly exchange to a teen may actually be an attempt to solicit private information such as age, address, school, etc.   How safe is it to allow this sort of information to get into the wrong hands? 

  Children, preteens and teenagers lack experience and the know how to protect themselves completely.  They are vulnerable.  Parents, teachers, and community leaders need to work together to protect the next generation.  Given a proper understanding of internet dangers, how to react to unsafe scenarios, and fostered by responsible adults, the internet can have many benefits to American youth.  As the Federal Communication Commission pointed out in their 2009 report,  “Electronic media offer numerous benefits for children… among these benefits are (i) access to educational content; (ii) acquiring technological literacy needed to compete in a global economy; (iii) developing new skills in the use of technology and the creation of content; (iv) facilitating new forms of communication with family and peers; (v) improving health through telemedicine; and (vi) removing barriers for children with disabilities.”

  As a teacher and parent, I have designed the “Tuned into Tech” club and the “How to be Safe Online” lesson to bring awareness to the youth in my community.  I hope to equip them with a knowledge of appropriate online behaviors to reduce the incurrence of stranger contact, cyberbullying and exploitation of private information.