Prep Talk
Why Teaching Digital Ethics to Students is Important
Posted January 25th, 2016
Technology is a fast-moving stream these days, especially with the advent of mobile technology. The free flow of information capable in today’s digital world is staggering when you think about how far we’ve come in the past 50 years, ten years—even five years.
Our children seem to be comfortable with it. Adapting to digital technology is easy when you’re born into it, but with these new technologies comes a responsibility—one that we have to actively teach our children to assume.
Information is Power
The ability to receive information in seconds, whether it’s written, audio or visual information is a powerful thing. Remember having to look things up in encyclopedias? Checking out books in the library? Taking camera film to be developed? Think of the time we save by having any information we can think of instantly available at our fingertips with cell phones and tablets. We’re no longer tethered to desktop computers, books or landline phones. We can communicate instantly anytime and anywhere. Yet we’ve all seen in our adult lives what can happen when that power is wielded without thought to consequences. People can be hurt, reputations tarnished and businesses destroyed.
We’re seeing the consequences among our children as well. Cyberbullying has become a growing issue, as well as sexting. In Colorado last year, a community was rocked when a nude photo sharing ring was discovered at a school, implicating many students in what could result in Federal criminal charges.
A disregard for possible consequences is responsible for most of these problems, so it’s up to us as parents and teachers to teach our children the importance of thinking things through before they use digital tools.
Set Standards Early
Teach children to think before they post, text or share.
We teach our children early in life the difference between right and wrong, and teaching them to use digital tools is no different. They need to understand from an early age that actions come with consequences. We teach our children to shake hands and be polite to people in person—but sadly, we aren’t teaching them online manners, and that has to change. However, setting digital standards goes far beyond teaching people to be civil to one another. Like it or not, cyber-ethics (and safety) needs to be added to the curriculum, both at home and at school.
The good news is standards are being created. The International Society of Technology in Education, ISTE®, offers sets of standards for students, teachers, administrators and coaches. Teaching “Digital Citizenship” is just one of the standards, and is something every parent should learn. By working together, parents and teachers can provide the kind of guidance our children need to navigate the digital world they’re inheriting.
Keep Abreast of Changes
Things are still moving and shaking in this new digital age, and not staying informed of those changes is something we can’t afford if we’re to keep our children safe. Take advantage of online resources to keep yourself abreast of new social technologies (especially those your children are using). As a parent you have the benefit of accumulated wisdom and foresight, and understanding the technology and how it’s used can help you help your children understand the consequences of misuse.
Open Communication Lines
Talk with your children about the technology they’re using at home and at school. If you don’t understand something, ask them about it or get them to show you how it works. Communicate with teachers and school officials about any concerns you may have, and stay informed. Listening closely can help prevent miscommunication, and it can also help you circumvent errors in judgement that can have serious consequences for your child.
Understanding and practicing cyber-ethics is something that will help your children throughout their lives. It can prevent them from making mistakes that will have consequences not only through high school, but into college and beyond.