Internet Safety - Curriculum for all students?

It has been a few days since I have been on twitter. I am on vacation this week, so I am trying to take a vacation from the online world! Sort of what Jeff did, but on the lighter side! Just cutting back a bit. I did venture on though for a few minutes this evening and came upon CoolCatTeacher - AKA Vicki Davis telling us she was going to be starting a live online blog using CoverItLive. The topic this evening, live from Princeton University, was about internet safety. Click here to revisit the live chat.

Talk about Web2.0 tools!! It was fun to communicate with other technology teachers in a live environment, all the while, during a live presentation presented by Nancy Williard - director of Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use. When reading Nancy's blog, I was surprised to read her post about iSafe.org. I did not realize they were using some outdated material and "scare" tactics. I admit, I use the curriculum from iSafe, and I think some of it is great.

Reading an article from the NY Times on dangers of the internet, it says that the internet is not as "scary" as the media portrays it. According to the author of the article, David Pogue, he states, :“Sure, there are dangers. But they’re hugely overhyped by the media. The tales of pedophiles luring children out of their homes are like plane crashes: they happen extremely rarely, but when they do, they make headlines everywhere. The Internet is just another facet of socialization for the new generation; as always, common sense and a level head are the best safeguards.”

I do know that I use a combination of many resources when it comes to teaching internet safety. Also, in combination with internet safety, I know I must begin teaching "digital citizenship" to all of my students. It is of great importance that the students know how to collaborate with each other using the most respectful techniques possible to them out in "cyber-space".

I also joined Vicki's new grass roots movement for responsible internet safety education. Advocates for Digital Citizenship, Safety and Success.
On this wiki, Vicki is gathering a lot of different information to educate our youth on how to be good "digital citizens". It is a discussion we must have with children using the internet. I agree!

Any suggestions or information welcomed! :)