Teacher Concerns and Actions on Elementary School Children Digital Safety

• In Event: K–12 Teacher and Students and Instructional Technologies

Abstract

Since elementary school children are spending more time using digital technologies, it is important to examine their digital safety. In this study, we interviewed ten elementary school teachers in North Carolina online through Zoom. Using thematic analysis, we identified themes of concerns and actions of teachers and schools on elementary school children’s digital safety. Some digital safety concerns included inappropriate contact with others online, sharing personal information, lack of understanding of danger, home-related concerns, cyberbullying, digital security and privacy, and digital footprint. Some of the digital safety actions included monitoring, setting limits on technology, and education on digital safety. This study has implications for elementary school educators, administrators, parents, and students on the safe use of digital technologies. 

Authors

• Julie Anne Bacak, University of North Carolina - Charlotte

• Florence Martin, North Carolina State University

• Lynn A. Ahlgrim-Delzell, University of North Carolina - Charlotte

• Andrew B. Polly, University of North Carolina - Charlotte

• Weichao Wang, University of North Carolina - Charlotte