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Cyber Citizenship Part 6: Code of Conduct

In There's a Stranger in My House by Dr James Wellborn

Cyber Citizens should abide by a strict code of conduct based on the rights, privileges and responsibilities of being a member of the cyber world. Obey the law.  □   Copyright Infringement:  using, selling or distributing products or creations without permission of the copyright owner □   Plagiarism:  presenting the words, music, thoughts or ideas of others without giving them credit □   …

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Cyber Citizenship Part 5: Civility

In There's a Stranger in My House by Dr James Wellborn

Civility is the foundation of civilized society (and not just because of te common derivation of the words).  It is how we get along with each other.  Civility is treating others with fairness and consideration for their feelings and needs.  It is treating others as people worthy of respect and dignity.  It is the golden rule:  do unto others as …

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Cyber Citizenship Part 4: Respect

In There's a Stranger in My House by Dr James Wellborn

As citizens of the cyber community, teenagers have a responsibility to be aware of the different aspects of the cyber world (see previous column).  It is also important for them to know about how to keep themselves safe and secure online (see other previous column).  Finally, teenagers have a responsibility as cyber citizens to respect the laws of the online …

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Cyber Citizenship Part 3: Cyber Safety

In There's a Stranger in My House by Dr James Wellborn

The cyber world has risks and dangers just like the real world.  It would not be safe for your kid to walk alone late at night to a high crime neighborhood asking strangers where to pay cash for an expensive video game system.  What if your kid then gave your house key to a stranger who offered to help and …

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Cyber Citizenship Part 2: Increasing Teens Cyber Awareness

In There's a Stranger in My House by Dr James Wellborn

If your kids are going to be good cyber citizens, they should be informed about the different areas that make up their cyber world.  This includes their personal information (i.e., identity), traces of their online presence (i.e., footprint), the various kinds of creative products that belongs to them and to other people (i.e., property) and the various ways to relate …

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Cyber citizenship Part 1: Helping Teenagers Be Good Netizens

In There's a Stranger in My House by Dr James Wellborn

When your kids plug into the internet or the cellular networks, they instantly become full-fledged members of a worldwide community.   They have instant access to every other person who is also wandering around in that world.  And, of course, someone coined a cute name for it:  Netizens.  (Well, I refuse to refer to them by that stupid name.)  But it …

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Developmental Stages of Access to Social Media Grades 11-12, Part II

In There's a Stranger in My House by Dr James Wellborn

Will the torment ever end?  Yes, with this column.  We have finally reached the end of this interminable series on trudging through developmental considerations for access to and use of social media and the internet.  Eleventh and 12th graders use of cell phones, social media accounts and video games will be covered and then we’re outa here. Cell Phones.  By …

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Developmental Stages of Access to Social Media Grades 9-10, Part III

In There's a Stranger in My House by Dr James Wellborn

This column continues the series about setting limits on your kid’s access to and use of social media and the internet.  The topic for this column is video games and social media accounts.  It is the third part of the expectations and recommendations for kids in grades 9 and 10.  (If strategies or information have been covered in previous columns …

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Developmental Stages of Access to Social Media Grades 7-8, Part III

In There's a Stranger in My House by Dr James Wellborn

This column continues the series about setting limits on your kid’s access to and use of social media and the internet.  The topic for this column is video games and social media accounts.  It is the third part of the expectations and recommendations for kids in grades 7 and 8.  If strategies or information have been covered in previous columns …