As educators we are responsible for teaching our students how to act appropriately online as we require them to interact with peers in our classroom. Just like you teach classroom rules and expectations, time should be set aside for reviewing proper "netiquette".
iStockphoto. (n.d.)
Digital Etiquette Dictionary: Here is list of popular slang terms students may be using online and link to a resourceful website. It may be helpful to review these before you approach the subject in your classroom.
Netiquette - the manners or etiquette of behavior online, or on the "net" (Ross, 2011)
Flaming - the act of insulting someone online, can be friendly or or offensive (Ross, 2004)
Cyberbullying - the act of bullying someone online, some students find it easier to hide behind a screen (Cyberbullying.gov, 2018)
Sexting - the act of sending explicit images through a text message or messaging app (Patchin, 2017)
Cyber bullying and Sexting are punishable offenses by law
Each state handles these sensitive situations differently. You can find information for the laws and regulations for each state from StopBullying.gov. An Example for the state of Maryland is given below:
According to Criminal Law §3–805, anyone can be found guilty of misuse of electronic communication and interactive computer services in order to maliciously annoy or seriously alarm another person and or attempts to elicits bodily harm.
"A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $500 or both." (StopBullying.gov, 2017).
A person found guilty sexting; showing photos of one selves or others under the age of 18. is subject to:
Felony Charges, 10 years in jail and up to $25,000 in fines. (Parental Solutions, LLC, 2011).
Easy Ideas for teaching proper digital citizenship in your classroom:
Classroom Generated Netiquette: Have students make a list of rules they should abide by online. Collect the lists, note the similarities and add any necessary rules to the classroom list i.e. no tolerance for cyber bullying. This gives students ownership of the rules and makes them think twice about breaking them.
Conduct a Mini-Digital Etiquette Lesson: Use the Digital Etiquette BrainPop Video in order to start a discussion about its importance in the classroom. Discuss how these rules should be followed at school and at home.
Create a Public Service Announcement: Use the video linked to the right or create your own for your school to review digital rights and responsibility as well as proper digital etiquette. You will need to locate and review the acceptable use policy in your school as well as a reference it for this project.