Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Internet Safety Assignment

1. What articles did you choose to read?
Let our Voices be Heard – M. Russell Ballard
Provident Living Guidelines Regarding Internet Safety
Things as they really are—David A. Bednar
2. What were the three most important things you learned from the readings?
1. We need to be nourished by technology and not let bad influences into our homes.
2. The family is under attack. Satan is going through technology to undermine families.
3. Teach internet safety explicitly.
3. Describe the video resources you watched (name, content, hosted location/website, etc.).
Katie’s Story, WebWiseKids…Katie’s story of an online predator
Grooming Gracie, NetSafe Utah Videos… Gracie’s story
Online Chat Begins at Home, NetSafe Utah Videos… how parents can talk to their kids
4. What are the three most important things you learned from the video resources you viewed?
1. The “Missing” game was really amazing. It’s a good teaching tool for students who are tempted to get involved with unknown people online.
2. Predators are out there. Protect your kids!
3. Talking to kids about these topics is invaluable and essential for their safety online. Even if it’s hard, do it early and completely so they don’t get hurt.
5. Describe who you talked with (no names are needed - just a brief description of age).
My brother... 11 year old boy in 5th grade.
6. Describe what you shared and what the reaction of the person was.
I talked about Internet Safety with my brother. My parents have done a good job teaching my siblings about the dangers of the Internet and how to stay safe. He kept saying, “Mom and Dad already told us that.” We discussed keeping the computers in public areas, checking the ‘history’ tab of the Internet, playing online games in moderation, and staying away from pornography.
7. What will you do differently now that you have completed this assignment? How can you use what you have learned to have a positive influence on those you teach?
I am going to keep my computer open to my roommates and not hide what I’m looking at… just to stay safe. If I’m ashamed to show them, I shouldn’t be looking at it. Also, I’m going to be very open and honest about the dangers of online predators and warn my students about these things. This is important. We can save a lot of lives by keeping the communication lines open and honest.