Stepping Off the Sidewalk

Abstract

By using data collected via Web-based trend analysis regarding the identification of next-visited Internet sites, this article helps to identify the specific privacy issues children face while exploring child-oriented and adult-oriented Websites. As use of the Internet has escalated dramatically, the complexity, criticality, and pervasiveness of technological issues have also risen. The protection of personal privacy (especially for children) is a prime example of the new issues presented by the expansion of the information age.     

Lessons Learned About Schools and Their Responsibility to Foster Safety Online

Abstract

The Internet has provided an expansive environment that enhances many existing teaching and learning approaches while facilitating new activities that are free of traditional constraints. As a result of the potential for instantaneous interaction without regard for geographic, political, racial, social, and gendered borders, an increased amount of activity is taking place online. In school settings, the need to regulate behaviors in cyberspace and minimize potential and actual risks to children has necessitated some governance over harmful interactions. Two recent cases in the United States will illustrate the emerging struggles of school systems to ensure the safety of youth online.     

The New Zealand Model for Prevention of Cyberviolence

Abstract

In 1998, New Zealand's Internet Safety Group established a national initiative to prevent cyberviolence through education. This organization developed a comprehensive program that included sending an Internet Safety Kit to every school in the country, stimulating research on Internet use in New Zealand, and co-hosting a national symposium on the social impact of the Internet. This article looks at who is participating in the Group, what strategies they have used, what they have been able to achieve and their plans for future development.     

Grooming Cybervictims

Abstract

The social and cultural communities of the Internet provide a virtual venue with unique perspectives on power, identity, and gender. This paper presents an overview of the benefits and risks of Web-based interactions for youth. As an illustrative example, the psychosocial effects of online grooming practices which are designed to lure and exploit children are discussed. Constructive solutions and a plan of action which foster protective and productive learning experiences are explored.     

Off-Campus,Harmful Online Student Speech

Abstract

This article discusses issues related to off-campus, harmful student speech on the Internet. The article explores the characteristics of this harmful speech, including (a) the speech originates off-campus. It has been created and disseminated without the use of school computers or Internet capabilities; (b) the speech has a school nexus. The speech relates to the district, the school, board members, administrators, teachers, or other students; (c) the speech is defamatory, constitutes bullying, harassment, or discrimination, discloses personal information, or contains offensive, vulgar, or derogatory comments; (d) the speech may occur in a variety of Internet locations. It may appear on a student-created Website, material posted to a Web log (“blogs”), or may be disseminated via some form of Internet communication, including e-mail, bulletin boards, chat, instant messaging and the like; and (e) the creator and disseminator of such speech is or appears to be a student.