With children enjoying access to the Internet from an increasingly young age via an increasing number of devices, we, as teachers, need to play an active role in encouraging them to use the internet in a safe and responsible way
Recent guidelines from Ofsted say schools should include an age appropriate e-safety curriculum, incorporating guidance for pupils about issues ranging from privacy settings and their online reputation to avoiding harmful content, cyber-bullying, how they interact with other users and the pressures created by social media.
February 11th 2014 is Safer Internet Day. To mark it, why not explore the subject by watching and discussing a film with your students that looks at some of these issues? Although the topic is fairly new, the education charity FILMCLUB has a number of relevant titles on its website, ranging from the drama Trust (15) and animated sci-fi Summer Wars (12), to Oscar-winning The Social Network (12) and documentary Catfish (12). “A shocking documentary that brings acknowledgement of the shocking things that happen over social networking sites. I thought this documentary was very eye opening,” commented a 17 year-old Filmclubber after watching Catfish.
FILMCLUB has also, in collaboration with Childnet and The Industry Trust, created a new, film-based e-safety resource featuring teachers’ notes, discussion questions and useful links. It’s free to download and is designed to be used in conjunction with the suggested films which are available free to members.
The social network (12) 11+
You’re on Facebook. FILMCLUB is on Facebook. Even your mum just updated her status. It’s an everyday part of millions of lives, but would you really want to watch a two-hour film about the business wranglings that started it? Actually, yes; because through great dialogue and perfect performances, The Social Network becomes a thought-provoking look at exactly how Facebook has changed all our lives.
Discussion points:
- In the inspiration for Facebook, photographs are posted online for people to compare in terms of attractiveness. How do you think it would feel being judged so publicly?
- Who could potentially see information you post online, now or in the future?
- Do you think social media sites make relationships easier or create more pressure?
Catfish (12) 14+
This much-discussed US documentary follows the online exploits of Nev, a 24-year-old New York-based photographer. After an 8-year-old art prodigy in rural Michigan asks permission to paint a photo he has posted, he befriends her. The network soon broadens to include her attractive older half-sister Megan, a songwriter he begins a long-distance romance with. But when he decides to surprise her with an in-person meeting, he’s in for a shock.
Discussion points:
- Make a list of ways you communicate with friends and family. How do you think this has changed since the last two generations were your age?
- What are the risks of forging a relationship online with someone you have never actually met? In what ways is Nev Schulman fooled?
- What information do you share online? How do you keep your personal details safe?
Inreallife (15) 16+
In her awareness-raising documentary (available on DVD from January 13th), director and FILMCLUB founder Beeban Kidron speaks to British teens about their relationship to digital technology. Experts – from WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to anti-corporate blogger and activist Cory Doctorow – also weigh in on how social media is changing our interactions. *Teacher Guidance: This film has been rated 15 for strong sex references and strong language. The opening 20 minutes in particular may be challenging to some viewers.
Discussion points:
- Which teenager’s experience in the film stood out for you the most, and why?
- Working in a group, draw up a list of some precautions we can take when communicating online, and some rules of behaviour we should respect.
Take it further
FILMCLUB members can order these and thousands of other great movies free from the website, with DVDs delivered direct to schools by LOVEFILM; download free film guides and teaching resources; write prize-winning reviews; enter competitions; and quiz filmmakers in monthly live webcasts. Visit filmclub.org, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 0207 288 4520.
With children enjoying access to the Internet from an increasingly young age via an increasing number of devices, we, as teachers, need to play an active role in encouraging them to use the…