While this is not as relevant to the instructors that I work with, it is certainly something that impact students from Jr. High to the end of their undergraduate degree. “This” of course is sex. Many parents/teachers/admins are terrified of technology, not because of how it might be used to cheat on exams, but rather, for how it might be used to access explicit content. And not just the “professional” kind either, kids are using the devices to take flirting (and more) into the digital world (nee sexting). I’m not surprised, but at least now there is some manner of research to start conversations around.
The National Campaign (to prevent teen and unplanned pregnancy) together with Cosmo Girl (AH! I know I’m shocked about even including that!) has released a report that can be very briefly be summarized as at least 20% and as much as 70% have participated in the sending or receiving of explicit content. This should not be a surprise to anyone, unfortunately, I think it will be to many.
If you have any classroom management or teaching ethics courses, they might be able to use this, cousellors of students in this expansive age group might also find this useful.
Edit – for more info the Globe and Mail has published an article that was originally printed in ParentsCanada.
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