Cyber ethics and respect for others online are critical skills to acquire for today’s connected teens. The message of this teen-centered video is that all students have a responsibility to behave ethically online and to know how to react when others behave in inappropriate ways. Teen hosts discuss the ethics of issues such as distributing unflattering pictures or posts aimed at harming someone’s reputation and the importance of respecting the privacy of others. They emphasize the importance of respecting the safety of others and becoming an upstander rather than a bystander when witnessing abusive behavior online.
One teen gives a real-life account of the devastating effects of being cyberbullied. Student interviews expose the extent of plagiarism among their peers and student attitudes about plagiarism. The program details the differences between legitimate online research and plagiarism. Similarly, the differences between legitimate sharing online and piracy are clearly spelled out as are the ethical implications and legal risks of stealing someone else’s work.
Includes:
Research-Based video, plus teacher’s resource book, student handouts and pre/post test in digital format
Reviews
Guidelines for ethical online behavior are outlined in seven chapters that cover respecting privacy and reputation, lying about who you are, cyberbullying and harassment, plagiarism, piracy, and developing a personal online code of ethics. Although teens are growing up in a digital world, they are strikingly unaware of the consequences of their online actions. A diverse group of students are interviewed about issues they have had and their thoughts about ethical online behavior. They explain that the anonymity of online harassment makes it so dangerous. The teens discuss the reasons for plagiarism and admit that students frequently plagiarize in an effort to save time. They also state that students generally make the assumption that anything online is "free game." A songwriter is interviewed about online piracy's effect on artists. In the final section, guidelines are given for creating an online code of ethics. These guidelines include respect, staying true to oneself, following the golden rule, and being aware that stealing is never acceptable. The program can be viewed as a whole, or sections can be used individually. This excellent program provides valuable and timely information in an engaging and appealing format.
—Lisa Hubler, Charles F. Brush High School, Lyndhurst, OH
School Library Journal
Exploring the world of responsible behavior on the World Wide web, this program features a young host, segments spotlighting real teens, and commentary from professionals including psychologist Dr. Joel Haber, CyberWise co-founder Diana Graber, and singer-songwriter Mara Measor. Digital Smarts looks at decision-making when communicating online, stressing the importance of the "Golden Rule" while also advising viewers to think about posting something that might affect someone's privacy or reputation. Examples of ethical lapses include harassment through e-mails or text, cyber-bullying, plagiarism, and music or movie piracy. A fine and timely primer — or reminder— about staying civilized while behind the screen, this is highly recommended.
—J. Williams-Wood
Video Librarian