FOR CHILDREN GROWING UP in today's world, Information Communication Technologies (ICT) has become a normalised feature of that world. Although ICT offers children wonderful opportunities for learning, it exposes them to risks and dangers unknown to previous generations. This article contends that, as soon as young children begin to engage with cybertechnologies, they should also begin cybersafety education. This should include strategies both to protect the child and to form an understanding of the ethical responsibilities needed for cybercitizenship (Berson & Berson, 2004) when using cybertechnologies. For this education to be effective it is suggested that early childhood centres use a multi-layered approach and work in partnership with parents. This article discusses the potential risks for children and the role of the teacher in cybersafety education.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
BalfourC. (2005). A journey of social change: Turning government digital strategy into cybersafe local school practice. Paper presented at the Safety & Security in a Networked World: Balancing Cyber-rights & Responsibilities conference, Oxford, UK.
2.
BeachR. (2007). New Zealand's first steps to cybersafety. Paper presented at the Early Childhood Convention, Rotorua, NZ.
3.
Becta (2005). E-safety: Developing whole school policies to support effective practice. Retrieved 30 December 2009 from www.becta.org.nz
4.
Becta (2006). Safeguarding children in a digital world. Retrieved 30 December 2009 from www.becta.org.nz
5.
Becta (2007). Signposts to safety: Teaching e-safety at Key stages 1 and 2. Retrieved 30 December 2009 from www.becta.org.nz
6.
BersonM. (2002, February 10–12). Lessons learned about schools and their responsibility to foster safety online. Paper presented at the Netsafe: Society, Safety and the Internet conference. Retrieved 8 November 2007 from www.netsafe.org.nz
7.
BersonM. J. B., & BersonI. R. (2004). Developing thoughtful “cybercitizens.”Social Studies and the Young Learner, 16(4), pp. 5–8.
8.
BersonI. R., BersonM. J., DesaiS., FallsD., & FenaughtyJ. (2008). An analysis of electronic media to prepare children for safe and ethical practices in digital environments. Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education [Online serial], 8(3). Available: http://www.citejournal.org/vol8/iss3/socialstudies/article2.cfm
9.
BuckinghamD. (2004). New media, new childhoods? Children's changing cultural environment in the age of digital technology. In KehilyJ. (Ed)., An introduction to childhood studies (pp. 108–122). Maidenhead: Open University Press.
10.
ChenS. (2003). Safe and responsible online behaviours for children. Journal of Educational Media and Library Services, 40:4 (June, 2003), pp. 439–452.
11.
CranmerS., SelwynN., & PotterJ. (2009). Exploring primary pupils' experiences and understandings of e-safety. Education and Information Technology14: 127–142.
12.
DooleyJ. J., CrossD., HearnL., & TreyvaudR. (2009). Review of existing Australian and International cybersafety research.Perth, WA: Child Health Promotion Research Centre, Edith Cowan University.
13.
FrechetteJ. (2005). Cyber-democracy or cyber-hegemony? Exploring the political and economic structures of the internet as an alternative source of information. Library Trends, 53(4), pp. 555-575.
14.
JacksonS., LowJ., GeeS., ButlerC., & HollingsJ. (2007). Children's media use and responses: A review of the literature.Wellington: Broadcasting standards authority: Te Mana Whaonga Kaipaho.
15.
IannottaJ. G. (Ed) (2001). Nontechnical strategies to reduce children's exposure to inappropriate material on the internet: Summary of a workshop.Washington: National Academy Press.
16.
LivingstoneS. & BoberM. (2005). UK children go online: Final report of key project findings.London: Economic and Social Research Council.
17.
LivingstoneS., & HaddonL. (2009). EU Kids Online: Final report. LSE, London: EUKids Online (EC Safer Internet Plus Programme Deliverable D6.5).
Netalert (2009). How to be cybersmart. Retrieved 30 December 2009 from www.cybersmart.gov.au
20.
PlowmanJ., & StephenC. (2007). Guided interaction in preschool settings. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 23, pp. 14–26.
21.
SandersonJ. (2004). Child-focused sexual abuse prevention programs: How effective are they in preventing child abuse?Research & Issues Paper Series, 5, June 2004.
22.
StanleyJ. (2001). Child abuse and the internet. Child Abuse Prevention Issues, 15, Summer, pp 1–20.
23.
Statistics New Zealand (2004). Household access to the internet. Retrieved 30 December 2009 from www.stats.govt.nz
24.
ThiererA. (2007). Parental controls and online child protection: A survey of tools and methods.Washington: The Progress and Freedom Association.
25.
ThomanE., & JollsT. (2005). Literacy for the 21st century: An overview and orientation guide to media literacy education. Los Angeles, CA: Centre for Media Literacy.
26.
TomisonA. (2001). A history of child protection: Back to the future?Family Matters, 60, Spring/Summer, pp. 46–57.
27.
ValckeM., SchellensT., Van KeerH., & GerartsM. (2007). Primary school children's safe and unsafe use of the internet at home and at school: An exploratory study. Computers in Human Behaviour, 23(6), pp. 2838–2850.
28.
webAWARE. (2007). Safety tips by age 5–7 year olds. Retrieved 8 November 2007 from www.bewebaware.ca
29.
WilsonJ. E., Mc AloneyK. (2010). Upholding the Convention on the Rights of the child: A quandary in cyberspace. Childcare in Practice, 16(2), pp. 167–180.
30.
WillardN. E. (2003, 9–12 July). Challenging the technology of Quick fix myth: Comprehensive strategies to address the safe and responsible use of the internet in school. Retrieved 8 November 2007 from www.netsafe.org.nz
31.
WishartJ. M., OadesC. E. & MorrisM. (2007). Using online role play to teach internet safety awareness. Computers and Education, (2007), pp. 460–473.
32.
YanZ. (2006). What influences children's and adolescents' understanding of the complexity of the internet?Developmental Psychology, 42(3), pp. 418–428.
