Social Media Education in Computer Classes

Here's a thought: Why aren't social media, netiquette, safe browsing habits, and the internet in general being discussed in our schools' Computer classes?  

I proposed this idea to my kids' school's Communications manager.  He said he'll discuss it with the school management.  They'll think about it.  It's been two months; I didn't expect them to dilly-dally over this because one of the school's strengths was supposed to be tech-savvyness.

Aren't kids already on the internet now?  And don't we already have data and surveys showing us what kids do on the internet?  In fact, you don't have to be a genius to figure out that a huge part of the internet universe is not child-friendly.  Google "kids internet" and you'll find a number of resources that teach parents and guardians how to keep children safe while surfing online, because a lot of people still think kids can do no wrong.  Misconceptions abound in that kids are innocent and that there's no way they'll ever stumble into the wrong places.

The reality is: danger on the internet can come not only from adults, but also from other children.  It's called cyber bullying.  What's unnerving about it is that the suspects are usually young kids and teenagers.  Yes, those "innocents".

It is at an apt time that an article from the Manila Bulletin entitled, "PNP Issues Safety Tips for Facebook Users" began making the rounds in the local social interwebs.  I don't know what's more surprising: that the PNP knows about cyber crime or that the PNP knows Facebook very well.  In any case, we're gonna say "oscar kilo" (OK), and thanks for caring enough to post informative and accurate details about how to do social media right, so that we can interact online and stay safe at the same time.  

I hope an NGO or another group, hopefully the internet service providers, would start creating infomercials about safety on the internet, especially while engaging in social media, and maybe even sponsor free seminars in schools on the topic.  Invite bloggers and social media workers as the resource persons.

It's gotta be said that social media platforms like Facebook are, in grade school science terminology, non-living things.  They're not AI (not yet?).  Facebook can't stalk, rape, steal, bully, maim you in the real world.  But those who use Facebook can -- that is, if you let them.

Be smart, people.  Make the technology work for you, not against you.