The Trib reports today that Utah health classes are getting a little 21st Century twist added to them. Classes will soon include topics such as Internet safety, proper cell phone use and how to interact safely with other technology.
These are all valid things to address with children, but I’m left wondering if the school is the most efficient place for this to happen.
First of all, parents should be the first line of defense in things like how to use the Internet safely and “don’t drive while talking on your cell phone.” Next, I worry that these classes could become too much of a “technology 101″ thing, where adults who are more ignorant about technology feel the need to explain technology to the kids. The truth is, a 4th grader likely knows more about a cell phone or the Internet than most parents (though that is changing rapidly as a more tech-savvy population starts to have kids go through the schools).
We need to focus on instilling common sense into our kids and empower them to make the best decisions possible. I suppose addressing these topics in a health class can be beneficial if done in an interesting and relevant way, but I know that I personally would have had a tough time taking an adult who knew less about the technology than me telling me what do with the stuff and how to use it properly.
Source: Health curriculum could include Internet, cell phone safety – Salt Lake Tribune.
I am not a fan of the “it is the parents job” argument regarding teaching kids basic things they need to know about common civility, health, and things that are bad for them. There is a reason why this falls flat on its face.
The parents are idiots.
While I do not think public schools are mommy and daddy to the youth of America, I do believe the schools have a better chance of reaching kids regarding some issues than the morons that pass for parents in our society.
Remember not every kid is special, only MY kid is special.
Tyler – I agree 100%. Harry has a point about some parents, but the bottom line is parents should be first. The schools can come in with a reinforcing message and some do. When we lived in Minnesota and our son was at a point in school where he was accessing the internet at school (and at home) for classwork, a packet of information came home about acceptable use of school computers that we had to go over with him. In addition, we got a couple of packets sent home about cyber-bullying etc. However, the bottom line was that this was for PARENTS to discuss with the child.
It should be a partnership between parent and school!
LL