Mod 2: Internet Safety: NetSmartz Response

In my previous post, an issue was found with the wording used in NetSmartz's Internet safety pledge.  I removed the pledge and contacted NetSmartz for clarification on their statement.  This is the pledge that caused the objection.

1. I WILL BE CAREFUL WHEN MEETING ONLINE FRIENDS IN PERSON.
I agree to
• ask my parent or guardian's permission before going
• have a parent or guardian accompany me
• meet in a public place

http://www.netsmartz.org/Resources/Pledges

The objection was to the way this pledge is represented.  It seems as though it is encouraging the meeting of online friends in person.  (A very scary thought)
Hower, a NetSmartz representative contacted me immediately and this was their response.

Dear Ms. Diaz,

Thank you for your recent inquiry about the NetSmartz Internet Safety Pledge. One of our goals at NetSmartz is to help children be safer in an increasingly digital world.  This includes a realistic and cautious approach to meeting online friends in person. While it is age-appropriate to teach young children not to meet face-to-face with anyone from the Internet, the same is not necessarily true for teens. Therefore, you will see that the rules for each age group are adjusted to fit their needs.

It is becoming much more commonplace for teens and young adults to form friendships with people they have first met online. Teens participate in multiple online communities that sometimes extend to the offline world. For example, gamers may meet up for a game launch; fans may meet up at conventions or book signings; teens “friend” each other’s friends on Facebook, etc. As they become young adults, they may begin to use online dating sites.

The Internet safety rule you are referring to is intended to prepare teens to navigate these digital relationships in a safer manner. Very specific guidelines are included in the rule to accomplish this. The full text of the rule is:

I will be careful when meeting online friends in person.  
      I agree to:

·         ask my parent or guardian’s permission

·         have a parent or guardian accompany me

·         meet in a public place

Teens who follow these guidelines are learning how to practice safer behavior in a realistic manner that is compatible with their digital lifestyles.

I hope this information is helpful and that you will continue using NetSmartz resources to educate your students about being safer online. Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Michelle Eastwood
Educational Writer
NetSmartz Workshop
A Program of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
(703) 778-6468
MEastwood@ncmec.org

I thank Ms. Eastwood, for her prompt reply and clarification of NetSmartz's Internet Safety Pledge.
And I encourage middle and high school students to discuss these pledges with their parent or guardian.