Virginia Leads the Way in Mandating Internet Safety Education

 According to a 2006 study by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, about 13 percent of Internet users ages 10 to 17 received unwanted sexual solicitations. Ninety percent of those solicitations targeted teens. Four percent of those youths reported being asked for nude or sexually explicit photographs of themselves.  Cyberbullying — which includes harassing, spreading gossip or otherwise targeting others online has become such a part of student life that several states have passed anti-cyberbullying measures.

The internet has revolutionized the way that students learn and interact with their peers, but it’s no secret that the internet has also introduced new safety concerns for students, parents and teachers.

Currently, Virginia is the only state that mandates safety instruction for students navigating the internet. Superintendents have the discretion to create a program that meets the qualifications set by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE).  The VDOE offers a comprehensive list of resources designed to help teachers give students information and tips to keep the internet safe and fun.  It also gives tips to educators on how to incorporate internet safety into various subject areas and for various grade levels.

The goal of the plan is to make kids aware of the dangers on the internet without ruining their fun.  Comprehensive instruction not only includes managing relationships with strangers on social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook, but also discusses identity theft, and cyberbullying, as well as basic interactions like, email, instant messaging and blogging.  Some of the resources recommending include www.netsmartz.org, and the Internet Education Foundation.  The most current list of resources can be found here: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Technology/OET/internet-safety-related-resources.pdf.

Although Virginia is the only state to mandate Internet Safety Education, Texas and Illinois also have programs that encourage teaching internet safety to kids, while other states are considering legislation.

— Teachers of Color