Earlier this month students in Wichita set out to illustrate the power of the Internet, and the fact that what you can say and do online can have far-reaching consequences by launching the "Wonder Who’s Watching?” campaign.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9rV6Xt_7y4
Students developed the campaign in response to an incident that happened last fall during a field trip. Emma Sullivan tweeted a comment that seemed innocent enough to some, but insulted Governor Sam Brownback and was then flagged by the governor’s staff.
"Just made mean comments at gov. brownback and told him he sucked, in person, #heblowsalot."
The tweet may seem innocent enough, but it warranted a visit to the principal’s office and gathered international awareness. The Governor later apologized to Emma and her record was cleared so she could graduate, but the commotion inspired students to set out and educate others about the importance of watching what communications you share across the Web. The campaign won first place in the public relations category of an international career development conference in Utah.
Alex Wespi, a recent graduate of Northwest High School and the main driver of the campaign said, “The number one tip we tell everyone, whether it’s a kid or an adult, is to think twice before posting anything—a photo, a video, a status. Whatever you put online lives there forever.” The team has made presentations to elementary school students in their area. They said they were surprised at how many had cell phones and Facebook pages already. Wespi said in response to their presentations, “Technology is just a part of everyday life, and lots of them (kids) have no idea about the dangers of the Internet.”
The team encourages students to visit sites such as netsmartz.org for more information about Internet safety. They also keep their campaign Facebook page fresh with new tips and resources for students to access.
Other ISM resources of interest
ISM Monthly Update for Division Heads Vol. 7 No. 1 Teen’s Online Interactions Can Put Their Reputations at Risk
Private School News Vol. 10 No. 7 Children Online
