Before COVID-19, teachers were already relying on technology to power their lesson plans and spark classroom interest. During the pandemic, 87 percent of teachers told EdWeek that their skills with educational technology had improved. Today? It’s hard to find an educator who doesn’t fold digital tools into everyday discussions with students.
On the one hand, this is a positive development. Today’s students are digital natives and comfortable with devices. On the other hand, teachers still need to use discretion when employing and recommending digital content such as videos and websites, especially for the preteen and under crowd. Regrettably, even seemingly innocent links can direct kids to content or sites that compromise their digital safety and expose them to unfiltered content, inappropriate advertising, and sites that aren’t necessarily designed to comply with children’s online privacy protections.
Let’s start with the risk of exposing children to content that’s not moderated or filtered. It’s important to know that most popular websites, apps, and social platforms aren’t designed for users under the age of 13. YouTube, which is a popular destination for content used by educators to supplement learning, is a prime example. Sending preschool and elementary-age children to a YouTube video can expose them to unwanted, inappropriate content and ads. Even if the video itself is squeaky clean and age-appropriate, other ads and interstitial content might be unsuitable for kids. Not long ago, one popular children’s show host told EdSurge he removed his content from YouTube for this very reason.
Another issue with directing children to digital content to supplement learning is that not all websites comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, or COPPA, which exists to help protect children’s privacy as consumers and ensure they are using age-appropriate sites and apps. Further, COPPA prevents kid-targeted websites and apps from collecting data from kids under 13 without parental consent.
Of course, educators can’t be expected to be masters of the internet. Still, they can feel better about the digital content they assign as homework or extra credit viewing. Below are some easy steps to reduce the likelihood of putting the wrong type of programming in front of young learners:
1. Watch all videos and thoroughly explore websites.
The sad truth is that sometimes websites that look like they’re designed for kids aren’t meant for kids at all. It’s a good policy to watch and read (and then rewatch and reread) all digital content for any red flags or concerns. Most websites have privacy policies, too. Those privacy policies can be helpful in determining if a video, site, or platform should be used with young students.
2. Rely on video safe players.
When a teacher discovers a fantastic YouTube video, they can send the link to students through a video safe player. Video safe players modify the viewing experience so that only the video can be viewed. That way, kids aren’t able to see any ads. Plus, they can’t click out of the video player to browse YouTube’s other content.
3. Resist sharing students’ personal information without parental consent.
Some teachers like to create their own digital content, which is terrific. However, the content should never include any personal information about students, including where they attend school. Personal information consists of students’ names, ages, residences, photos or likenesses, birthdates, etc. If children are included in a classroom video or photo, parent or guardian permission should be obtained before posting the content online or even using it in any school marketing collateral. Educators should turn off location tagging and other forms of identification as well.
There’s no doubt that online content can help bring a topic to life for preschool and elementary learners. Teachers simply need to make sure they take a few safety steps before sharing digital content links with kids and their families.
The author, Erika Rosenberg, is Director of Brand Strategy at Lingokids.