Contraceptive and/or abstinence education in public schools provides a clear choice on the part of government to provide education to protect children from unsafe sex. These programs provide timely information, despite the contentious subject matter and often political nature of the information. Likewise, common education has embraced drunk driving campaigns, despite the contentious subject matter, to inform students.

Safe internet usage is neither contentious, nor political, but often has tragic implications for many youth who are not informed about the dangers of the internet. Rather than continuing to pressure ISPs and Web 2.0 content providers to mine their users for predators, isn’t it about time schools take on the role of teaching children safe internet practices?

As the internet has become a repository of the world’s information, it’s use in teaching and learning is an increasingly necessary part of common education. And yet, inappropriate content and sexual predators are an inherent part of the inclusive nature of the web. Abstinence is not a choice. Internet usage in business and professional practice has moved from a luxury to a necessity. The successful education of our youth requires use of the internet. And reports decry the necessity to address productivity skills for workers who have constant access to the internet. These skills should be addressed in tandem with higher-order thinking and collaboration.

Using the open internet for teaching and learning in the classroom provides an authentic opportunity to teach safe internet usage. Safe internet practices are extremely effective in avoiding inappropriate material. There are abundant websites providing information and safe surfing, and yet the core of the practices comes down to responsibility and common sense while using the internet. These are also necessary cognitive skills required for a digital workforce.

The sex education argument often turns to the question of who is better suited to teach the subject of sex. I would contend the logical answer would be the family, but even the government acknowledged this was not effective enough. Internet usage poses an additional generational issue. Using Marc Prensky’s language, the digital immigrants are going to have a difficult time teaching the digital natives how to practice safe surfing. Parents could take on the role of bridging the divide and teaching safe surfing, but I believe schools would be much more effective an environment for this.

I do realize many teachers are digital immigrants, yet just as many are taking the time to bridge the gap and integrate internet resources into their curriculum. I propose states adopt a curriculum standard for responsible internet usage and begin preparing children for this brave new digital world.