The invention of the internet and development of social media led to the need for the government to create laws to protect children. Otherwise companies would be collecting student information and selling that information without fear of a consequence. Children would also be in danger of exposure to inappropriate content or become the targets of predators. To combat these dangers the government created the CIPA/COPPA laws. CIPA protects students from online predation, inappropriate content, and child pornography. CIPA requires all school devices to have filters that will protect children from inappropriate content and monitor student online behavior. COPPA gives parents control over what information websites can collect form their kids.
These laws are helpful in protecting children but are insufficient. For instance, a social media website might require users to be 13 years of age to register, but a child can easily change their birth year and register. According to danah boyd, "COPPA teaches kids to lie". I do not necessarily agree with that that statement. The children are growing up with a cellphone in their hands and they learn the ins and outs of their devices. This includes how to troubleshoot. With time they have learned to bypass restrictions. I do not think it is a result of the laws but a consequence of unsupervised access to technology. Parents need to be aware about what their children are doing online. They also need to have knowledge of the type of communications their children are having. The law will never be sufficient to protect children. Children and students need to have adults model safe behavior and provide them with supervised opportunities to put into practice what they are taught.
In school all devices have filters that limit student access to certain websites and inappropriate content. Despite those filters, students can still access content through their cellphone and in some instances they may find ways to elude the filters. That is why I believe that laws or restrictions placed on student devices is insufficient by themselves. Teachers at all times need to be aware at what their students are doing. They can also engage students in lessons that will allow them to use their technology skills for educational purposes. Additionally, students should be provided with opportunities to practice digital citizenship.
In conclusion, everyone is responsible for children's safety. Laws serve as a deterrent, but are insufficient by themselves.
Excellent point about how parents need to be more aware of what their children are doing online and on their phones. This is one of the reasons why it's critical for us to teach digital literacy! The more young people know about privacy, safety, and media manipulation the better informed decisions they can make.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you the importance of parent awareness. I know at schools we can do our duties, but we cannot change what happens at home. Like you said, students may be doing stuff at school on their phones (without filters) that we cannot always have control over. I think parents would benefit from more resources for internet safety.
ReplyDeleteI like how you brought up the point about parents needing to help display correct safety online and usage of phones or technology. I do think kids learn from a young age how to bypass different restrictions too. My own two kids know what to click and they cannot read what the screen is even telling them! This makes me think what my own kids are able to get access to when they have my phone instead of their restricted kids tablets. Great points made in this post that have me thinking more about my own kids access.
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