Cons of SNS

CONS

When I was doing the research for SNS, I came across many, many sites that discussed the dangers and risks of allowing students to use SNS in schools and public library. I think that we all appreciate the risks involved in any online activity that is not monitored, but I chose to highlight some of the more interesting and school appropriate articles that discuss the cons of using Facebook or Myspace in schools.

When I was doing my search, I came across several articles that mentioned a new bill that was being put to the floor in the US Congress to have libraries, schools and any place that has public internet access to ban minors from using these sites. The people who are backing this bill feel it is necessary to protect children from online predators. The bill itself doesn’t surprise me, but when I read a this article further, I was surprised to read that there was already a law in place, signed by President Clinton in 2000, that compels librarians to block any “off colour” sites. The law was appealed in 2003 on the grounds that it was against the First Amendment, but the law was upheld. As far as I’m aware, we do not have anything like this in Canada, but I could be wrong. I think that a law like this is a knee-jerk reaction to technology that scares people and it is a little like using bubble gum to patch a hole in the Hoover Dam! There is always going to be something new and a new way to communicate. Kids are also much more internet savvy that many people would like to believe. I found out about proxy servers from a student who knew how to get around the blocks put in place at our school. They will find a way if they want to and now they are proposing that librarians need to police inventive and motivated students! (Find complete article here)

Most of the sites I came across listed child protection as the main concern. This particularly hits home in Saskatchewan as recently there was a case of a teen being abducted by a man and they were caught in Winnipeg. It was not clear how the girl communicated with the man, but it could have been through Facebook or MySpace. So what can schools do? How do we keep them safe at school without hindering their education? Education World suggests the following:

1. A clear policy with a strong focus on educationally valuable use of the Internet -- no "Internet recess." The policy must be supported by curriculum and professional development, and a clear expectation for teachers that all student use of the Internet should be for high quality, well-planned instructional activities.
2.Student education about online safety and responsible use.
3.Effective technical monitoring.
4.Appropriate consequences. Schools and districts should consider a full review of Internet use management policies and practices. A needs assessment and evaluation of Internet use would provide helpful insight. Safe school personnel must be involved in that process.

Education World also has guidelines for what students can do when they are using the internet and Social Networks:

* Be kind to others. Think how you would feel if someone posted similar things about you.
* Think before you post. Material posted in these communities is public, could damage your reputation, or could be used to harm you. It is not private!
* Take steps to protect yourself and others from bullying and harassment. Report concerns to the Web site and to a trusted adult.
* Report to an adult if someone posts threats of violence or self-harm. Such threats could be real threats. Don't post threats yourself. Someone might take you seriously.
* Develop "stranger danger" detection skills. People online might not be who they seem to be. Develop a safety plan for meeting online friends that is approved by your parent.
* Stop the predators. If you have been contacted by someone you think might be a sexual predator, report it to a trusted adult.