My reflections on the video Growing up Online

It is easy to see how growing up online has caused parents who are and are not technologically savvy to become worried about the saftey of today's youth. There are many threats that are present within the online world such as sexual predators, cyberbullies, etc. Also, access to the interenet is available to all students. Even those without home computers can find access in libraries, internet cafes, and even at their friend's house. This unlimited access means that technology plays a major role in the lives and learning of all students. Importantly, most students do not access this technology for educational reasons, but for social networking purposes. It would be beneficial for parents and educators to comply with the fact that technology use is growing and will not be a passing trend. Teaching students to use technology for educational puposes would allow students to participate in technologies in school as well as out of school. As a future educator and parent I will try my best to not over emphasize the negative side of the online world. Rather, I will try to provide education on ways to use the internet as a resource and a method for positive self expression. With this approach youth will not become wary of adults who accuse them of not being aware of the dangers of growing up online.