Cyber Ethics for Kids

Nowadays there are more and more children learning to use the computer every day. Although young children may not realize it, they may be conducting in illegal computer activities. One way to help give young students information about proper computer use is by teaching them “cyber ethics”. Cyber ethics are “rules” children will learn and follow about the proper use of the Internet.
Since computers are widely being used in school, I believe it is the teacher’s responsibility to teach their students about cyber ethics and the do’s and don’ts of proper computer and Internet use. Teachers must be role models in showing the children how to use the Internet without violating the Acceptable Use Policy of the school and Cyberspace rules in general. Teachers can also create a “buddy system” when using the computer and make each pair accountable for one another in the proper and acceptable use of the computer and Internet.
When using the Internet, teachers can show their students’ safe websites to visit and also what to do if they “accidentally” visit a site they’re not supposed to. Students, especially the young ones, must be equipped with the knowledge to know what is acceptable and what isn’t. A good way to teach Cyber Ethics to children is to create scenarios, like the ones on the cybercrime.gov website and have them choose which is the right way to handle the situation. Cyber ethics is the most important rule to teach before children start using the computer in school. Enforcing the rules at the beginning of the school year will help them know what is expected of them when it comes to proper Internet use. Also, revisiting the school’s acceptable use policy as well as cyber ethics regularly will help the students remember the ethical way to use the computer and Internet.
Another way to help teach students good cyber ethics is to involve and inform parents to enforce proper computer use at home. If possible, parents should monitor the sites their children visit and any activities their child wishes to engage in such as downloading, etc. Giving parents information on proper Internet use is also a good way for them to know whether their child is using the Internet properly. When parents are informed about cyber ethics they can reinforce this at home while their children are using the computer at home.
In conclusion, teaching young students about cyber ethics will help reduce cyber crime and help children become aware of acceptable Internet use.