Ethical+Issues+for+Safety+and+Security

Social Networking, Acceptable Use Policies, Netiquette, Cyber Bullying, Student Data, Internet Privacy
===Ethical Issues for Safety and Security refers to privacy on the web. Teachers should inform students that without privacy settings, what they post is available for anyone and everyone to see. Controlling who views what they post should be important for students to learn.===

Social Networking
===Social Networking sites create an online place where users can create a **profile** and build a **personal network** that connects him or her to other users. In the past decade, social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace have escalated in use, and the popularity of these sites has caused parents, teachers, and school officials to worry about the hidden risks students are taking when posting information online. Privacy does not exist online, and young people do not realize this. Teenagers can be lulled into a false sense of security, therefore putting themselves at risk for online predators which can lead to exploitation. Teachers who use these sites need to set a good example for their students.===

Acceptable Use Policies
=== Acceptable Use Policies for Internet Use, or (AUP) were implemented in response to the escalating use of Internet in schools. To confirm that classroom computers are being used in a safe and appropriate way, school officials wrote a contract-like document for teachers, parents, administrators, and students to follow. It most often includes rules, regulations, and consequences. AUP’s are written to provide guidance for teachers and administrators on how to best intertwine school instruction and the use of the Internet. ===

Netiquette:
===Netiquette, or Internet etiquette is a set of customs to make communicating through the Internet pleasant for everyone. Netiquette helps people courteously communicate through the Internet, and it provides guidelines of how to behave online.===

Don't Be Fooled, Cyber bullying is Not Cool
===Cyber Bullying is defined as a minor being harassed, threatened, tormented, humiliated, targeted, embarrassed, bewildered, bothered, or otherwise bullied via the Internet, interactive technology, or cell phone, by another minor. There are two types of cyber bullying – direct cyber bullying and cyber bullying by proxy. Both types are used to harass another individual via technology. Direct cyber bullying directly attacks minors through messages sent bluntly to the victim. Cyber bullying by proxy gets other individuals involved in the harassment, and this can lead to more dangerous happenings such as injury or even suicide. Bullies have been around for years in schools, but technology takes bullying to a whole new level. Bullies can now bully their victims through technology twenty-four hours a day, making it hard for them to be caught. Cyber bullies can even send their messages anonymously, which can make the victim become distressed and have live in fear. Teachers’ should advise their students against cyber bullying and should introduce the consequences of cyber bullying. Teachers in classrooms of higher grade levels where students would be accessing the Internet everyday should look for signs that their students are being cyber bullied. Some warning signs are:===

Watch this short video for an example of a direct attack of Cyber Bullying,
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Student Data
===Student data is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA. FERPA is a Federal Law that protects the privacy of a student’s educational records, and applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. This data can only be released under certain circumstances - if the data is considered directory information or if the parent of the student has given written consent. Once the child turns eighteen or attends school beyond the high school level, the student is considered “eligible” and is in control of their records. Parents of the eligible students still hold the right o inspect or review their child’s educational records.===

“Under FERPA, Schools may disclose, without consent, "directory" information such as a student's name, address,
===telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. However, schools must tell parents and eligible students about directory information and allow parents and eligible students a reasonable amount of time to request that the school not disclose directory information about them. Schools must notify parents and eligible students annually of their rights under FERPA. The actual means of notification (special letter, inclusion in a PTA bulletin, student handbook, or newspaper article) is left to the discretion of each school.”=== (U.S. Department of Education)

Internet Privacy
===Students today are using the internet for more then just school work. Playing online games, surfing the web, and online shopping is becoming a part of students’ everyday lives, and they are taking advantage of all the web has to offer. The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, or the COPPA, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, enforces that children under thirteen need parental consent before allowing them to go on their website. Teachers are allowed to act on behalf of the parent during school activities online according to COPPA. Acceptable Use Policies, or AUP’s, go hand in hand with Internet Privacy laws. Educating parents and student about safe Internet use and online privacy are big issues in this day and age. Keeping students safe online is essential because the Internet is becoming a big part of education.===