A Comprehensive Guide and Tips to Online Safety for Teens
With the world around us becoming increasingly dependent on technology for professional and personal activities, this blogpost offers a brief guide to how Manchester Global School is preparing students with the skills and moral compass that will both give them an edge over others in how they achieve success using technology, but also understand how to stay safe and look after their own wellbeing whilst embracing technology, ethically.
The first thing we focus on with our students is developing basic IT skills in the early Primary Years, before moving on to helping them gain an understanding of how and when to embrace the right online tools and platforms for the various activities a child might need, or enjoy as they grow up.
Why do we use Technology in School?
Initial uses of technology at MGS are focused on developing basic skills. Educational apps and platforms on the teacher’s interactive whiteboard alongside lessons on how to use tablets and computers to enhance the learning of basic literacy and numeracy skills. This is all achieved under close, supportive supervision on devices carefully managed by the school to almost entirely remove the risk of our youngest students experiencing any possible inappropriate materials or information and removing the risk of interacting with strangers entirely.
This usage is limited in terms of time as we focus much more on the practical skills of reading from real books, developing the fine motor skills of holding pens and pencils as they learn to write and of course using a vast range of hands on, group and paired activities to help develop those all important social skills in the Early Years.
As students move from Grade 3 into Grade 4 they are given their own tablet for which they are responsible for. This tablet is pre-loaded with the relevant apps needed for their learning as they proceed through the latter stages of primary education. They are also introduced to using email and instant chat, but with these being school administered accounts, the contacts are limited to school friends, teachers and immediate family so that safe, appropriate communication skills can be developed, using proper professional etiquette in a safe online environment.
We understand that outside of school, many parents are exposing their children to communication platforms and opportunities to engage with the wider, unfiltered internet on either personal or parental devices, so we also educate our PYP students about many of the possible risks they could come across. In school, access to apps and platforms that are not age appropriate or are not easily controlled are restricted and reminders are given to students and parents about the age recommendation for use of apps like instagram and other social media because we believe that these age restrictions are very important for protecting students wellbeing and preventing exposure to material that is not age-appropriate.
As students transition to Middle Years Programme, there is more exposure to online learning communication and collaboration platforms to help them understand how the world of university and work may look in terms of online activities. There will be plenty of advice and guidance given on how to handle challenging online situations through workshops and scenario based activities and a lot of work is done to help them understand how to create a positive online presence through appropriate and beneficial use of social media to enhance their own lives and the lives of others. Portfolio-based learning helps with an understanding of digital foot-prints.
By the time they reach our Diploma Programme, the use of online platforms to keep journals and records of their own learning, to evaluate and reflect on their work, to utilise social media and create their own business or personal websites to enhance their applications for universities and work applications, will include sessions on building Linkedin profiles and online resumes that will help them stand out from the crowds, whilst also counselling them on how to cope with any negativity they could possibly come across. With subjects such as Digital Design (MYP) Computer Science (DP Group 4), Digital Society (DP Group 3) the IB is at the forefront of prioritising learning around the use of technology.
Fundamentals of Online Safety
Parental Guidance and Tools
Given that the majority of students are exposed to technology of varying types, and with varying levels of supervision and support at home well before they join a school, we focus on ensuring that parents have an understanding of their responsibility in partnering with us to play a strong role in developing a healthy relationship with technology. Students typically spend many more hours at home using technology under the responsibility of their families, compared to being in school where firewalls and supervision enhances the level of learning that we can achieve.
Through workshops, our website and regular communication with parents we promote the following:
Carefully Implemented Parental Controls
Implementing parental controls without invading privacy: Open communication is key to striking the right balance between enforcing parental rules and honouring a child’s right to privacy. A trusting environment between parents and particularly teenagers is established when parental controls are used supportively.
Dialogue: The key to understanding your teen’s online world: Promoting a better understanding requires parents to actively participate in talks regarding their teen's digital habits, interests, and concerns.
Monitoring vs. Trusting.
Providing an overview of available tools and resources for parents to monitor and guide their child’s online activities responsibly includes highlighting various resources that empower parents to actively participate in their teen's digital education. From parental control apps to internet safety workshops, these tools offer valuable support, enabling parents to stay informed and engaged. For each family the ages for which such controls are functional and outweigh the benefits/risks of freedom and trust will be different. Helping each family to find where that threshold lies will be something we will guide during family workshops.
The Role of Schools and Educators
Building a culture of digital citizenship: MGS embeds online safety into daily school life, not just as standalone lessons. This involves creating clear acceptable use policies for technology, fostering open communication about online risks and responsible behaviour, and integrating discussions about online safety into various subjects on a regular basis.
Equipping students with digital literacy skills: Age-appropriate curriculum that teaches students critical skills like identifying online scams, recognising cyberbullying, and protecting their privacy is a priority for MGS. Interactive workshops, simulations, and hands-on activities make learning engaging and relevant.
Providing support and resources: Providing a safe, supportive environment where students can report online issues and seek help from trusted adults is key. This involves training teachers and counsellors to identify and address cyberbullying, providing access to reporting mechanisms, and partnering with mental health professionals.
Educational Programs and Initiatives:
Cyberbullying prevention programmes: These programs teach students about the impact of cyberbullying, how to recognise and respond to it, and how to build healthy online relationships. The
"StopBullying.gov" website offers downloadable resources and lesson plans for educators to address cyberbullying in schools.
Digital citizenship certifications: Organisations like
Common Sense Education offer age-appropriate online safety certification programmes for students. These programmes cover topics like digital privacy, responsible online communication, and critical thinking skills in the digital age.
Media literacy initiatives: Programmes that teach students to critically analyse online information, identify fake news, and understand the influence of algorithms can empower them to become responsible and informed digital citizens. The Stanford History Education Group's
"Civic Online Reasoning" curriculum equips students with the skills to evaluate online sources and participate constructively in online discourse.
Understanding Privacy
The concept of digital footprint: Understanding the lasting effects of digital actions is the first step towards responsible online behaviour. Whether posting on social media or participating in online forums, every interaction contributes to a cumulative representation of oneself.
Privacy settings - Your first line of defence: Educating students to understand why and how they must explore and utilise these settings to control the information they share and protect their online identity. From determining who can view personal information to regulating friend requests, privacy settings provide a powerful tool for maintaining control over one's digital presence.
The Value of Secure Passwords
Creating and managing strong passwords: A strong password is a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters – a unique code that acts as a barrier against unauthorised access. Introducing the concept of password managers as dependable tools is a big help. A proactive approach to password management is crucial for maintaining online safety. Regular updates prevent hackers from exploiting old, potentially compromised passwords.
Recognising Secure Websites
Understanding the security aspects of HTTPS and SSL certificates is crucial to provide a secure online browsing experience. Websites with "HTTPS" in their URLs encrypt data between the user's browser and the website, ensuring secure communication and protecting against potential data breaches. Equipping young internet users with the skills to identify secure connections, fostering a habit of scrutinising website URLs before divulging sensitive information is a must. There are risks associated with unsecured websites and the potential consequences of interacting with them.
Social Media Wisdom
Curating Your Online Presence
The permanence of online actions:
This section encourages teens to consider the long-term effects of their digital imprint on both personal and professional level by highlighting the lasting nature of online actions. The permanent aspect of online interactions stresses the value of deliberate participation, regardless of the size of the comment or shared article.
To post or not to post - Making smart choices:
Teens need to be guided to make thoughtful decisions about the content they share online, urging them to consider the potential ramifications of their posts. It is always best to encourage them to think twice before sharing personal information, controversial opinions, or anything that could be misinterpreted, fostering a culture of responsible self-expression.
Managing Connections on Age-appropriate Platforms
Friend or foe: Accepting connection requests: Teaching students to evaluate the authenticity of friend requests and followers, helps create a safer online environment, reducing the risk of connecting with potentially harmful individuals.
The implications of “Likes” and “Shares” Exploring the psychological impact of social media validation and the importance of distinguishing between genuine connections and fleeting online interactions. Highlighting the need for teens to derive self-worth from authentic relationships rather than the quantity of online interactions, promoting a healthy mindset.
Handling online relationships responsibly: Advising students to proceed cautiously and wisely when forming online friendships and stressing the significance of establishing a healthy boundary between the virtual and actual world, making sure that virtual relationships complement in-person relationships rather than take their place is a must.
Cyber Threats and Protections
Common Online Scams Targeting Teens
It is essential to educate students on the deceptive acts of phishing and catfishing whilst providing practical tips to identify and avoid falling victim to fraudulent online schemes. They should focus on evaluating unexpected emails, messages, or links and verifying requests before sharing personal information. When suspecting scams we encourage students to share their concerns with an adult so it can be investigated and reported to any relevant authorities.
Protecting Against Malware:
Antivirus software: Your cyber guard:
Here we talk about the concept of antivirus software as a crucial line of defence against malware, evaluating the importance of regular updates and scans, eliminating any dangers before they jeopardise the security of digital devices.
The Importance of Regular Software Updates:
Online safety requires recognising how important it is to keep all software updated in order to fix vulnerabilities and maintain a secure digital environment. It is vital to note that outdated software can act as a point of entry for cyber threats, which reinforces the significance of regular software upgrades in protecting digital systems.
The Human Element
Cyberbullying: A Student’s Perspective
Defining cyberbullying and learning about the various forms it can take are essential steps in enabling students to identify and address such behaviour. Encouraging open communication with parents, teachers, or friends creates a supportive environment for youngsters facing online harassment, developing resilience and a sense of security.
Providing information on available resources and support networks for teens who have experienced cyberbullying reinforces the message that help is readily available. Promoting helplines, our school counselling services, and online platforms that offer support to victims of cyberbullying ensures that individuals facing such challenges have access to diverse avenues for assistance.
Sexting and Peer Pressure
The legal and emotional consequences:
Addressing the possible outcomes that can result from exchanging explicit content is important when talking about the emotional and legal sides of sexting. The need for educated decision-making is made clear by underlining the legal age of permission and the possible legal consequences of sharing explicit images of underaged individuals. People are urged to handle such circumstances with awareness and caution. Educating our students about setting limits and making educated decisions are crucial
Gaming and Online Communities
Safe Gaming Practices
Helping teens make wise judgements about in-game purchases is a crucial part of teaching them about the financial elements of playing online games. Setting limits and preserving a secure gaming environment prove essential when examining the idea of privacy in the context of multiplayer games. Developing a sense of accountability and time management skills is essential to creating a good balance between gaming and real-life commitments.
Navigating Online Forums and Communities
Anonymity vs. transparency:
When debating the benefits and drawbacks of anonymity in online forums, it is important to advise teens to exercise caution and to be aware of their online personas.
Evaluating the credibility of online information:
It is vital to teach kids to check information from reputable sources and to consider the accuracy of content before accepting it as truth
At MGS, online safety for children and teens is not just about providing a set of rules, rather it is about creating a mindset and skill set that empowers the younger generation to harness the positive aspects of the digital world while safeguarding themselves from potential risks. By embracing the principles outlined here, our students can embark on a journey of digital citizenship that is both responsible and empowering.