Today, I was shocked to read a story about a middle school principal in New Jersey that had sent a request home to parents to close their children’s accounts on Facebook and MySpace. In fact, he was just full of “great advice” for parents regarding technology:
- Close any social networking accounts
- Install spy software on the computer to track all kids’ activities
- Check their text messages online every week
- 90% of homework does not require a computer
- Confiscate all electronic equipment each night
- There is absolutely no reason for a child to have a social networking site account (this is repeated several times)
And yet, he insists the school is going to teach children responsible use of technology. C’mon.
I would agree that perhaps some children should not be on social networking sites. Some children should have their text messages monitored. Some should have every move they make watched closely online. Yet, the reality is that we cannot stop these children from joining and participating in social network sites unless we have them under the watchful eyes of a parent 24/7. It is impossible.
Children are able to access accounts through their iPod Touches, through their cell phones, or through computers at their friends’ houses. You cannot stop the wave. You can, however, guide it.
Mr. Orsini does make one valid point. Parents should educate themselves and their children on Internet safety. This might include keeping computers in a central location in the house (not a child’s bedroom where doors are closed and locked), exploring Internet safety sites, or talking to kids about common sense rules for Internet use.
Recently, I took an unscientific poll of the kids in my classes. 80% of the students I have this semester (about 135) have a Facebook or MySpace account. Nearly 20% have their own computer safely locked away in their bedroom. 70% have Internet access at home. 55% update their Facebook or MySpace account while they are at school using their cell phone. 10% have a Twitter account. 90% of those with social network site accounts have friended someone they’ve never met without checking other friends first.
There are some unsafe practices in those statistics. Schools should take the responsibility to educate children (and possibly parents) concerning Internet safety. But closing out one account you know about will only lead to children opening another account you don’t know about. I would much rather work with kids on things I know about than to clamp down so hard they decide to create things I don’t know about.
Mr. Orsini, I know your heart is in the right place, but your ideas simply demonstrate your own lack of knowledge about technology.
What do you think?
Tim,
If Mr. Orsini really wants to “teach children responsible use of technology” the he needs to start with himself and his teachers. Ask them if they know how to use technology, and more specifically social networking responsibly. Then ask them if he and his teachers model that responsible behavior in front of their students. Saying to students that you need to be responsible online is one thing, letting them see you demonstrate it is much more powerful. Do as I say AND as I do.
I soon can learn to do it if you’ll let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true,
But I’d rather get my lessons by observing what you do;
For I might misunderstand you and the high advise you give,
But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.
- from “Sermons We See” by Edgar Guest
Tim,
WOW! Just finished reading Mr.Orsini’s story. I have written a graduate level course on Cyberbullying and have presented on the topic at a number of state conferences. I also spoke to the New York State Educational Conference Board on the topic. I’m appalled that Mr. Orsini would suggest that removing students from Social Networking websites, and, oh wait — spy on them, and remove electronics every evening will create responsible digital citizens.
As many of us know, parents often are not aware of what these Social Networks can do, nor do they realize the powerful potential these connections can have for students. I strongly believe that it is the responsibility of educators to educate — and that includes appropriate behaviors for social networks, texting, etc. This is uncharted territory for many, let us all do what we can to make sure that our students and children go forth with the knowledge they need to successfully navigate the terrain.
And ‘pulling the plug’ just won’t do our children justice.
~~~
Mr. Orsini, should you read this, please take time to sit down and talk with your students and with teachers/parents who are involved in social networks and use cellphones to text. Who knows, with the POWER of the network, you just might change your ‘advice’.