roommate photo test

Internet Safety Assignment: Doing Part

Doing

To complete this part of the assignment you will need to work with a youth or parent (not a roommate). (This youth or parent could be your own parents, siblings, children, or spouse if you have children.) Then do the following:
I talked with my younger sister, age 12, about what she knew about internet safety and shared some of the things that I learned doing this assignment.
I was surprised at how much she was aware of. But I guess this makes sense seeing as she is probably more techno-savvy than I am. She told me about internet viruses and email spam and a little bit about cyber bullying. I asked her if she knew what to do if she was ever bullied online and she told me immediately to go to an adult and tell them about the problem.
I talked to her about online gaming and why it can be a problem. I also talked about the anonymity of the online world and how things are probably more easily exaggerated because they aren't face to face. It was pretty easy to talk to her about this kind of stuff, mostly because she isn't addicted to online gaming or social networking or other stuff. If I were to talk to someone who had these serious issues with the internet, the conversation would have probably been a bit more awkward and difficult to get through. It was a valuable experience to talk frankly with my sister about these issues and to more clearly define my position and beliefs on the topic.

Internet Safety Assignment: Reading/Viewing Resources

 What were the most important things I learned from the readings?
I think the biggest thing that I learned was the fact that while the online world and the real world are two different things, the rules of civility apply to both. You shouldn't have to change the person who you are from one arena to another. 
I also learned that I have a choice in what I consume on the internet or through the media. I don't have to passively accept what is given me, but actively participate with the wider world deciding what is or is not appropriate. I like what Elder Ballard said in his article, Let Our Voices Be Heard "Brothers and sisters, refuse to be used. Refuse to be manipulated. Refuse to support those programs that violate traditional family values. We may be a small voice to begin with; nevertheless, let us speak out and encourage a more uplifting, inspiring, and acceptable media." It is tempting to take a "woe is me" stance when looking at the media offerings. Oh dear, I am the only one in the world that objects to this kind of material, when that is usually not the case. More often than not, there is plenty of people that will agree with you, it's just a matter of standing for what you believe in.
How will what I have read influence my actions as a parent and/or teacher of children and youth?
I think if we can very easily get overwhelmed with everything that has been asked of us and therefore, I liked what Knutsen and Oswald argued when they stressed moderation. "A critical element in avoiding problems is to understand the importance of balance in our lives." Charles D. Knutson and Kyle K. Oswald Just a Game?
While they are discussing moderation in the time and energy spent on virtual games, I think the same could be applied to our lives as teachers and parents. Yes, we need to spend time and teach our children how to be safe online, but we can't overwhelm ourselves with controlling every instance of interaction with modern media. I appreciated what Elder Ballard said about the calling to be a mother or father. "Father and mother are callings from which we will never be released, and there is no more important stewardship than the responsibility we have for God’s spirit children who come into our families." Elder Ballard Let Our Voices Be Heard  
By spending sincere time and attention to our families, the parents can become the heroes and role models that our children can look up to, instead of Hollywood. "Children and youth are confused and misled by the deviant behavior they see demonstrated by so-called stars they admire and want to emulate." Elder Ballard Let Our Voices Be Heard
What internet safety issues am I likely to face as a teacher and how will I address them?
The issue that I will probably face the most and the issue that I am probably most nervous about is the issue of cyber-bullying, mostly because it is so anonymous. Both the bullies and their victims hide their virtual actions under the real world. I hope that I could encourage a friendly and respectful classroom and stress the idea that Dr. West said in his article, Improving Online Civility, "Our real-world relationships can be harmed when our spouses, children, friends, and associates feel they are being ignored and replaced by the chime of a new text message or the allure to check Facebook. Like many things, virtual relationships and technologies can become addictive and should be used in moderation." I hope that I would be aware of these issues and convey a strict no bulling, cyber or otherwise policy.