Reinforcing Online Safety and etiquette in Digital Education

As the educational world adapts to new digital paradigms, parents, educators, and students face different models, such as blended, hybrid, and virtual classes. These models enhance access, skill growth, and achievement for students and their diverse educational needs. However, amid these advancements, the digital realm presents unique challenges, particularly concerning online safety and etiquette.  

What Exactly Is Online Safety and Etiquette?

Online safety encompasses the measures and practices implemented to protect Internet users from potential dangers and threats. These threats can include various forms of malicious activity, such as cyberbullying, identity theft, online grooming, phishing attacks, and exposure to inappropriate or harmful content, just to name a few. 

Meanwhile, digital etiquette, or "netiquette," is the code of respectful and appropriate behavior within the digital learning environment. In the educational context, it includes good practices, from maintaining academic integrity by not plagiarizing content to exhibiting respect toward instructors and peers in online communications. 

It also covers the responsible use of technology, where users should avoid digital disruptions during learning sessions, such as unnecessary video or microphone use that might distract others. During the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns arose regarding student privacy and conduct in online schooling. Schools had to take measures to protect student privacy, as home environments introduced the potential for exposure to other household members. Furthermore, inappropriate or distracting backgrounds were another concern, necessitating a dedicated, distraction-free workspace for students. These issues underscore some unique challenges online teachers face under the pandemic conditions. 

Digital etiquette is the thoughtful sharing of space and attention during real-time lessons, recognizing and respecting others' contributions, and ensuring a constructive and inclusive online learning atmosphere. 

Some netiquette key aspects are: 

• Using Earbuds or Headphones: Avoid disturbing others in shared or open spaces when attending virtual classes or participating in online learning activities. 
• Mindful Multitasking: Learning when it's appropriate to engage in multitasking sessions to avoid having decreased comprehension and productivity. 
• Digital Citizenship: Netiquette goes beyond school; it encompasses commerce, communication, law, rights, etc., because it helps develop good digital citizens.  
• Awareness of Online Behavior and Data Security: It ensures respectful interaction, and understanding data security is part of fostering responsible digital citizens. 
  
  

Addressing Online Threats for Students and Schools 

Different types of online threats can compromise the safety of students and staff in the digital learning space. Cyberbullying, privacy breaches, and exposure to inappropriate content are among the pressing issues. According to a report by the Cyberbullying Research Center, 36.5% of U.S. students reported being cyberbullied from 2020 to 2022, indicating a pressing need to address this issue. 

Additionally, data breaches in the education sector have been on the rise. The K-12 Cybersecurity Resource Center reported an 18% increase in cybersecurity-related incidents in U.S. schools from 2020 to 2021. Schools hold sensitive data of students and staff, making them lucrative targets for cybercriminals. 

How to teach Netiquette and proper online conduct

As educators, we must responsibly guide students in navigating the online world. Here are actionable strategies to foster netiquette.  

• Start with the Basics: Explain netiquette and its importance when using the internet. Depending on your student's grade and age group, use appropriate definitions and examples to illustrate how online behavior impacts the individual and the larger digital community.  
• Incorporate Digital Citizenship into the Curriculum: Lessons can cover various topics, including online safety, privacy, copyright laws, cyberbullying, and information literacy. Interactive activities and real-life scenarios can make these lessons more engaging and relatable.
• Set Clear Expectations and Rules: Having rules can help establish proper conduct. These rules must cover everything from regular chats to learning platforms.
• Model Positive Online Behavior: Your example matters. Demonstrate respect, kindness, and professionalism in all online interactions. Show students how to communicate effectively and politely online, including proper use of language and tone and the importance of not sharing sensitive personal information.
• Teach Students to Think Before They Click: A mindfulness practice can enhance positive behavior in the digital context. Teach them to pause and think about the potential impact of their words and actions online, the concept of the digital footprint, and how online actions can have long-term consequences.
• Address Cyberbullying: Talk about how to identify cyberbullying, how to respond if they are victims or witnesses, and how to report it. These conversations can help students feel safer.
• Foster an Open Dialogue: Create an environment where students feel comfortable discussing their online experiences, concerns, and questions. Regular check-ins can prompt discussions about new technologies, platforms, and the evolving challenges of the digital world. 

Digital learning is a huge opportunity for every student. Still, it also involves a responsibility for educators and parents to create rules and a safe environment to encourage proper student behavior and ensure that they are equipped with the necessary skills to navigate the online world. This process includes fostering critical thinking, teaching discernment of credible sources, and promoting a clear understanding of digital ethics. With the right guidance and educational tools from Lincoln Learning Solutions, students can learn to use technology for information and communication and as a platform for collaboration, creativity, and innovation.