Cyberbullying and internet safety is an ongoing issue at CHS, and is constantly acted upon by administration. Every year, the school tries different ways to get students involved and educated on these specific subjects. This year, CHS was, in accordance with federal law given from E-Rate, the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act (NCIPA), and the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act, to do a type of internet training for every single student. Videos were made addressing how people, the teen generation specifically, need to be much more careful on the internet. After every lesson, students were given a five-question quiz.
CHS has attempted to make students more aware of the dangers on the internet, but have never been able to document it. For example, there have been after-school activities, broadcasts during class, assemblies regarding the topic, and the bullybox, open for all student at CHS to report bullying anonymously. Although, the likelihood of students paying more attention is through being tested on the subject. As each student watched and answered the questions, there was much more of a hope that an impact was made on them. This is because adminstrators believed it gave the teens a way to interact with the subject.
Even though the hopeful outcome of the activity was to make students more aware, that was not exactly the result. The majority of the students did not pay attention and copied off of their friends, or they felt that the videos were unnecessary. For example, freshman Riley Mcnamara felt dissatisfied with the course.
“I feel that the videos were necessary and good for us to know the impacts such small decisions can make,” McNamara said. “Although, we already knew a lot of the information, so it may have been a waste of time.”
Although, some students feel that the videos were a smart idea as it made them think and speak with each other about internet safety. The staff also have their opinions on the activity, some expressing that it may have been a waste of time. Principal Dr. O’Connor has a more positive outlook for the future of the program.
“This is the first year it has been as formerly done,” O’Connor said. “Although, we are still creating new ways to implement it.”
Also, there are some students at CHS who have experienced cyberbullying, and were glad their peers could have the chance to hear more about it. Sadly, during the videos, it was only spoken about briefly, as the subject of being safe and aware was spoken about much more.
Though the school has attempted to address internet safety through many aspects, it has recognized that educating students about this is an ongoing process. The administration is not sure if it helped as much as wished, though they feel it does not hurt to remind the youth. Because it is a requirement, the program will go on and hope to strive when spreading knowledge throughout the school.