Teaching Students with Disabilities about Online Safety

As students spend more time online, lessons in online safety and appropriate behavior are critical. Students with disabilities may be at particular risk online. Many parents and teachers of children with disabilities are well aware of the potential for in-class bullying and make efforts to stop bullying before it starts; but what about the exclusion and harassment that teachers and parents don’t see? As young people spend an increasing amount of time online, much of the inappropriate behavior, language, and material they encounter is beyond the immediate view of parents, teachers, and guardians. Therefore, preparing all students for safe interactions online is important, and it is all the more critical to examine the special risks and issues that students with disabilities face online. Learn from these tips and strategies to help your students meet the standards for Digital Citizenship and to guide your students to use technology and digital media in a safe and responsible way.