Internet safety: Implications for teacher education
Abstract: Without having a school assignment behind them, students explore the Web for their own interests, oftentimes encountering other individuals with the same goal. Arguably its most powerful aspect is the Web’s ability to reduce geographical boundaries and connect people. Yet, the Web is also a medium by which our children can be contacted by others without parental and teacher knowledge. Results from a study of parents and teachers reveal strong correlations between online social networks and apprehension. Specifically, the study categorized parent and teacher concerns into two major categories: a feeling of helplessness against online sexual predators and a sense of protectiveness against cyber bullies. Suggestions for addressing these problems in future research and teacher preparation are outlined.
Presider: Suzy Cox, Utah Valley University