Room 520-C | Sexuality and Media Monday, July 11, 2005 Time: 2:30 PM-4:30 PM |
Cyber-Education...One Step Closer to Cyber-Safety.
Lambros, Amanda*,1, 1 Curtin University of Technology, Perth, WA, Australia
ABSTRACT- Computers, widely regarded as one of the greatest innovations in history, affect many aspects of life. Worldwide, computer use has expanded in some countries even to almost every family and rates of use and access are still on the rise. Computers allow parents and teachers to foster learning at a younger age, however, they also potentially allow predators and strangers a window into our homes and private lives. Our most precious resource, our children, are being lured for developmentally inappropriate and dangerous sexual expression. This quantitative research aimed to examine the current knowledge of Cyber-Safety amongst parents, teachers and adolescents of Western Australia through a three-tired survey method. Cyber-Safety is a comprehensive educational approach that can begin to be taught during the first years of schooling and continue throughout the lifespan. This presentation will outline educational approaches regarding content and strategies, safety precautions on the Internet, how to avoid certain sites, the installation of safety software and the overall supervision and communication between parents, teachers and students about their activities on and off the Internet. As current Masters research, due to be completed in November 2004, this study is analysing results from three population groups to enhance information and education approaches to Cyber-Safety. Many parents are not aware of what their children are doing on line, what times they are online and who their children are talking to. Teachers and schools are not spending enough time supervising the activities of their students whilst on the Internet and children themselves are often naïve and not fully aware of the potential dangers that face them each time they log-on to the Internet. This research, along with other complementary research in this area, shows that education and information are the keys to keeping children safe on the World Wide Web. It provides insight and a new innovative approach to Cyber-Safety and Education. Without proper education and communication, we are leaving children vulnerable to exploitation and harm by Internet Predators. This research is timely and important for educators, parents and adolescents not only in Western Australia but throughout the rest of the world.
Key words: Cyber-Safety, Internet Education, Adolescents, Internet, Safety