Engageme

When students commence study at TAFE, it is our role as teachers and
coordinators to ensure that they have participated in an induction process.

An induction that not only identifies learning and assessment expectations,
rights and responsibilities – but also behavioral rights and responsibilities.
Specifically, students are asked to sign a document that states they have
viewed and understood the contents of a Bullying and Harassment video.

Any research on bullying will often point to Schools as one of the most
common places for this to occur… followed quickly by the workplace.

Bullying and importantly, cyber-bullying , is something we therefore need
not only be aware of but also understand our roles in encouraging
appropriate behavior online, just as we encourage appropriate behavior
in classrooms and on campus

Last night, 60 Minutes featured a story on cyber-bullying … a somewhat
typical piece with the tears, swearing and swipes at cameramen – but
also some useful tips on blocking, deleting and reporting online abuse.

Interestingly, a lot of the advice comes from a young person… Tom
Wood “16 year old Aussie boy and media and government cyber-safety
advocate.”

I believe this is useful information to consider and importantly discuss with
young people – to equip them with the skills and knowledge to avoid
unpleasant situations and then begin to handle them if necessary.

I particularly like his advice to parents and adults in warning against
over-reacting “78% of kids are worried if they tell an adult; they will be
disconnected from the computer, thus prohibiting them from admitting it.”

The young girl who featured in the 60 Minutes feature finished the story
nicely by encouraging young people to “Speak up for yourself. Don’t
hide it, ’cause hiding it just makes it worse. You need to, like, talk to people.”

The net, with forums, blogs and other social networking platforms is an
Ideal medium to support teaching and learning about the internet and
responsible use of online and digital technologies.

**Check out a CD Rom available through Australian Teachers of Media
(ATOM) – CyberSafeWorld that aims to empower communities, schools,
and families to raise responsible, resilient, and ethical digital citizens…
complete with lesson plans about internet safety and lots of other resources
and tips…