It is good to remember the stage that many of the junior school children are at when putting them in front of the computer. As teachers we are very responsible for ensuring their safety online when they are at school and I think we need to take this into account when we make policies around computer use.
I found this article from www.cybersmart.gov.au very insightful.
Five- to seven-year-old children have a positive outlook and an accepting nature. They take pride in their new reading and counting skills and love to converse and share ideas. They are eager to behave well; they are trusting; and they don't question authority.
Children at this age may be very capable at using computers, i.e. following commands, using the mouse, and playing computer games. They are, however, highly dependent on adults or older children to help them find web sites, interpret online information or send e-mail. Characteristics of this age group:
- will accept media content at face value
- don't have the critical thinking skills to be online alone
- may be frightened by media images, both real and fictional
- may be frightened by realistic portrayals of violence, threats or dangers
- are vulnerable to online marketers who encourage them to give out personal information through surveys, contests and registration forms
- risk moving from appropriate to inappropriate sites through hyperlinks
- may be exposed to search results that link to inappropriate web sites.’
And the following site has ideas for keeping children safe at different age levels
I like the idea of a story that children relate to on cybersafety.
has the Hector's World link on it and a cartoon developed in England called "Lee and Kim"
A good site to introduce the need to be safe.
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