Social+Issues

In today's generation, social networking is one of the top ways of entertainment. Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace continue to have an effect on our youth today. While some people use these technologies as a way to gain positively from the resources provided, others tend to use it negatively.

//Cyber bullying needs to be stopped!//
Cyber bullying is when a teenager or adult is threatened, bullied, or harassed by way of technology. Cyber bulling can occur on cell phones or computer. It is primarily seen on social networking sites. Researchers say that cyber bullying is more harmful and dangerous than “schoolyard” fighting as it has lead to extremities such as suicide. Although bullying as been going on for many decades, it can not compare with the use of emails and instant messages that spread quicker and have a long lasting effect. Cyber bullying has to be addressed in the school systems and we as teachers have a responsibility to end the matter.
 * Resource used: Stop cyberbullying
 * Statistics
 * 95% of social media-using teens who have witnessed cruel behavior on social networking sites say they have seen others ignoring the mean behavior
 * 52% of parents are worried their child will be bullied via social networking sites
 * 34% of those who have had any engagement in cyberbullying have been both a cyberbully and been cyberbullied
 * 80% think it is easier to hide online bullying from parents than in-person bullying
 * 33% of teenagers have been victims of cyberbullying
 * 85% of parents of youth ages 13 to 17 report their child has a social networking account.
 * Statistics from Internet Safety 101.

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//Acceptable Use Policies//
Acceptable Use Policies (AUP) is a way to control students use on the computers in the classroom. These policies specifically address the Internet use. The AUP is a “contract between administrators, teachers, parents and students. It outlines the terms and conditions for Internet use by defining access privileges, rules of online behavior, and the consequences for violating those rules” (Media-awareness). It is very important for teachers and students to sign this agreement so that students understand and are aware of their responsibilities as students are while they are navigating through the Internet.
 * Some components of AUP are the following:
 * A description of the instructional philosophies, strategies and goals to be supported by Internet access in schools
 * An explanation of the availability of computer networks to students and staff members in your school or district
 * A statement about the educational uses and advantages of the Internet
 * An explanation of the responsibilities of educators and parents for students' use of the Internet
 * A code of conduct governing behavior on the Internet
 * An outline of the consequences of violating the AUP
 * A description of what constitutes acceptable and unacceptable use of the Internet
 * A description of the rights of individuals using the networks in your school/district (such as the right to free speech, right to privacy, and so on)
 * A disclaimer absolving the school district from responsibility, under certain circumstances
 * An acknowledgement that the AUP complies with provincial and national telecommunication rules and regulations
 * An acknowledgement that the AUP complies with provincial and national telecommunication rules and regulations
 * Components retrieved from Media-awareness

These are some practical tips for teachers to address social issues.
 * 1) Constantly remind students of the contract that they signed at the beginning of the year. This consistent reminder throughout the year will cause them to realize the seriousness of their Internet privileges and how consequences will follow if they abuse them.
 * 2) Raise awareness throughout schools. By bringing the issue up to students, it will make them feel more comfortable about speaking out against it.
 * 3) Raise awareness to parents and other teachers. This way, adults and administrators will understand the importance of it and want to do something about it.
 * 4) Encourage school board to update the acceptable use of policies to include Internet use outside of school. Sounds a bit extreme, but so is cyber bullying!
 * 5) Encourage parents to monitor their child’s use of social networking to decrease the cyberbullying. Also, consider if it is appropriate to give your child a cell phone.