Classroom Internet use can be exciting, rewarding and challenging. Student's Internet use should be tailored to their ages.

Teachers should create age-appropriate activities for students, understanding that varying developmental stages and Internet skills will produce different issues and problems for each age group, and maintain open communication with parents about student's academic Internet use.

Monitoring is crucial.

Filters are not fail proof. Watch where students go on the Internet. Teachers should acquaint themselves with new tools that allow students to visit protected sites as much a possible while monitoring browsing history and follow the acceptable use policy regarding the steps students should take after accidentally accessing an inappropriate site.

Student technological interactions in the virtual world can be negative and spill over into the real world.

Teachers should be knowledgeable of cyber bullying, recognize the signs of bullied students, and know what to do about it. Students must be taught which types of personal information are safe to share with others because online and wireless communications can compromise students' privacy as technology-savvy predators may eavesdrop. Educators must remind students that people are not always who they claim to be and that Internet information if not always accurate or appropriate.

Students need to hear the rules often.

Teachers should establish and post rules for safe Internet use near computers in classrooms, libraries, and labs. Students should be reminded regularly that the rules are intended to ensure their safety. Further, students and parents should know the consequences of disobeying the rules, keeping the lines of communication open. Schools must be consistent and fair in enforcing classroom rules and division's acceptable use policy.

Administrators must oversee all aspects of the Internet safety program.

An annual review of the division's technology infrastructure with appropriate technology staff, making improvements as needed should be done. Additionally, administrators should monitor the quality and effectiveness of Internet safety information presented to the respective stakeholder groups. Professional development is key. Incorporate Internet safety into the division's professional development plans and community outreach programs and schedule continuing professional development to keep educators aware of the most recent Internet safety developments.

From Guidelines and Resources for Internet Safety in Schools produced by the Virginia Department of Education's Office of Educational Technology.

This page last updated December 22, 2008