Inappropriate Content
Inappropriate content can be defined as material that violates the norms or standards of society
Examples include the following -
Graphic violence – (can be found in movies, video clips, video games, music, web images, etc.)
Sexually explicit content – (ex: pornography, suggestive pictures, child sexual abuse, sexting, etc.)
Extremist content – (ex: websites which promote extreme political views, etc.)
Hate content – (ex: cyber-bullying, websites which incite hatred or ridicule of groups on the basis of race, religion, sexual preference or other social/cultural factors, etc.)
Promotion of crime – (ex: websites which promote crime, bomb-making, weapon-making, drug use, computer hacking, fraud, terrorist activities, harassing, etc.)
Online advertising – (ex: Advertising which seeks to exploit the naïveté of children and young people, etc.)
Examples include the following -
Graphic violence – (can be found in movies, video clips, video games, music, web images, etc.)
Sexually explicit content – (ex: pornography, suggestive pictures, child sexual abuse, sexting, etc.)
Extremist content – (ex: websites which promote extreme political views, etc.)
Hate content – (ex: cyber-bullying, websites which incite hatred or ridicule of groups on the basis of race, religion, sexual preference or other social/cultural factors, etc.)
Promotion of crime – (ex: websites which promote crime, bomb-making, weapon-making, drug use, computer hacking, fraud, terrorist activities, harassing, etc.)
Online advertising – (ex: Advertising which seeks to exploit the naïveté of children and young people, etc.)
Safety/Legal Issues
There are many safety and legal issues surrounding inappropriate content that one should be aware of. In fact posting or collecting of certain inappropriate online content can be punishable by law. An example of this is the 'Children's Online Privacy Protection Act' of 1998 (COPPA), which is a federal law that is designed to prevent anyone from getting personal information on a child without a parent’s consent. Furthermore for safety, privacy is an emerging important topic to cyber predators. Cyber predators can include people who steal one's identity, data mine, bully online, and deliver inappropriate content.
Tips for StudentsLearning the difference between appropriate and inappropriate content. Know the differences in web sources such as .com, .org, .gov, etc. When uncertain always ask for permission to use a computer. Do no try to bypass any filters. If you feel the need to, reach out to an adult and explain why. Inform your parents or a trusted adult if you encounter uncomfortable content online. |
Tips for ParentsInstalling preventative programs to block, filter, and monitor which sites your children visits. These linked programs can help with this: Norton Internet Security, Cyberpatrol, and Net Nanny.
Knowing where your children may have access to inappropriate content. Such locations could include at home, school, friends’ houses, community centers, and libraries. Encouraging your children to come forward to you or another trusted adults if they encounter content that makes them feel uncomfortable. Supervising your children's internet and computer use. This can include being aware of what websites and chat programs they are active on. Discussing family values with your children. This can clarify to children how certain values relate to inappropriate content |
Tips for EducatorsMaking sure you understand all policies and procedures regarding computer access for students and teachers in your school district. Teaching students the differences between appropriate and inappropriate content Finding and sharing safe resource websites that students can use. Also discussing how to safely navigate the internet. Actively discussing with your school to install preventive programs to block, filter, and monitor content. Keeping computers in an open and shared location. Encouraging students to come forward if they encounter uncomfortable content. |
Resources
http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/Schools/Common%20cybersafety%20issues/Inappropriate%20content/What%20is%20inappropriate%20content.aspx
http://www.cotopaxi.k12.ec/community/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9&Itemid=21
http://edudemic.com/2011/10/student-online-safety-guide/
http://www.netsmartz.org/InappropriateContent
http://www.cotopaxi.k12.ec/community/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9&Itemid=21
http://edudemic.com/2011/10/student-online-safety-guide/
http://www.netsmartz.org/InappropriateContent