Tips For Teachers on Internet Safety:

Tips For Teachers on Internet Safety:

Teachers have a key role to play as a digital citizenship role model for their class.

In years gone by, teachers might not have had much to do with what happens outside the classroom. That has changed. We now need to be mindful of our own behaviour outside the classroom, and willing to deal with issues that are thrust into our hands.
Some are ongoing considerations like how to create a positive digital footprint and think carefully about what you’re publishing online.

This applies to both your professional and personal life. Overall, technology is changing our world for the better. Be aware of guidelines and policies set by your employer.

Teach your students about internet safety regularly and authentically. This is not a one-off lesson. Teach your students basic internet safety tips and be a role model.

Along with internet safety, students also need to be taught about things like plagiarism, copyright, creative commons, search engines, and effective research techniques. These are important areas for teachers and students to know about if they want to use the internet effectively and legally.

If students or parents approach you with issues regarding cyberbullying or safe internet use, it’s important to deal with them. You don’t have to go it alone. Get advice and support from your school and possibly your education department.
Encourage your students to talk to you about any concerns they might be having with their internet use. All teachers know it can be easier to sort out small problems rather than let them escalate!
Consider your own digital identity and security. Protect your own digital reputation.

99% of teachers realise it’s not nice or appropriate to share complaints, interactions, or jokes about students or parents. Carefully consider whether you want to connect with students or parents on social media.

If your account is purely professional it might be fine to connect with members of your school community, but it generally wouldn’t be a good idea for personal accounts.

It’s important that internet safety is regularly discussed amongst staff in schools. Technology moves so quickly. Trends can change dramatically in the space of months.

Unfortunately, issues such as cyberbullying, sexting, and problematic internet use are not going away. It’s so important that teachers are equipped to teach about these issues as a preventative, and follow-up issues as they occur.

Most of all, don’t be afraid of these challenges. You’re in a unique position to really help empower young people to use technology safely, enjoyably, and purposefully.