NetSmartz.org

On July 17th, student delegates, ages 14-17, met in London to discuss current Internet safety and security measures. These 140 students were part of the International Youth Advisory Congress (IYAC), an effort on the part of the Virtual Global Taskforce (VGT) to hear what teens all over the world really think about online safety. Check back on Fridays to hear what the American delegates have to say about their experiences. This week features Zachary from Texas.

To quote a song by John Mayer, "It's better to say too much then to never say what you need to say." I believe this was the motto of the International Youth Advisory Congress on Online Safety and Security. As a part of Team USA, I shared all of my views about items which struck me as good and/or bad. I just hope that the Authorities, Industry, and Educators will take my opinions and make the web a safer place for the youth of the world.

In my discussion groups with IYAC delegates from other countries I saw how easily people can forget that the internet extends further than our countries' borders. However, once my group realized that the World Wide Web is actually "world wide," we began to realize that the safety and security of the web is up to the manufacturer and authorities who should guarantee the safety of their product. The most important thing we discussed was that a "Report Abuse" button should be easily accessible and at the top of every Web browser.

As a young person that is in constant sync with the internet, I think that everyone should have their rights protected by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It is also important to have the correct amount of education mandated in every country, state, province, city, county, and school district. I am a true believer that change can happen. The youth have done their part; now it is up to the experts to show their commitment to this wonderful cause.

Back-to-school time used to mean a certain excitement for kids as they re-connected with friends that they had not seen during the summer. Now though, with the ease of connecting over the Internet, children do not have to experience prolonged separations from friends, and this may also include exposure to bullies.

As an Internet safety advocate for nearly four years, I am especially troubled and concerned about the issue of cyberbullying. It is a form of bullying that students cannot leave behind. Study after study suggests that it is rapidly growing and unfortunately, children do not tell parents, guardians, or trusted adults if they have been targeted by cyberbullies. A Million Online Bullies Run Rampant in Cyberspace, a recent study by online identity experts Garlik.com found:

18% of children in the UK between the ages of 8 and 15 have admitted to bullying others electronically

30% said they bullied because it was "fun"

61% of children do not tell parents if they have been targeted by bullies

Cyberbullying is not just harmless fun; it is not just kids being kids. Cyberbullying is serious and can have catastrophic results. Although the Internet is a valuable resource and tool, it is vitally important we talk to our children about the potential risks they may face online and what to do if they encounter a cyberbully.

For nearly four years, Jace Shoemaker-Galloway has championed online safety education in her school and entire region. She has educated over 750 children with personalized lessons plans she has created and implemented. She continues to educate parents and teachers with her regular newspaper column and unique presentations. Visit her award-winning educational resource blog for further information.

http://InternetSafetyEducator.com