THE TRADESMAN

Volume 11 No. 2

-- A NEWSPAPER by and for DIMAN STUDENTS --

April, 2006

Diman Takes a Stand against Misuse/Abuse of the Internet

Reports by Tradesman Staff Writers
Douglas Thibault, Stephanie Pavao, Daniel Medeiros and Chris Gendreau

Advisor's Note: In January, Officer Riley spoke with a group of parents about the dangers of the Internet and the misuse of it. He told parents about the legal ramifications of students posting information online that could expose them to online predators. He also warned about students using their personal web pages to glorify criminal behavior and to write/post false information about people connected to the Diman community. The Tradesman asked faculty members and administrators the following question: "What is your reaction to Diman Holding a meeting warning parents/students about the misuse of the Internet?" Here are some of the comments:

"We are more concerned about the sites because some personal information can be picked up by an unsavory individual. You should know to be careful about putting personal information on a Web site as there are some people out there who might take that information in a negative way. That has happened."

Mr. Ramos,
Superintendent/Director

"As principal, I have a legal obligation and a moral duty to make everyone at Diman feel safe and secure so that meaningful education can take place. For the most part, Internet blogs are a just method of communicating thoughts, ideas and philosophies. However, when a method of communication becomes decidedly hurtful to any student or faculty member, I have the duty and obligation to investigate and, if necessary, discipline. Statements blogged on the Internet for the whole world to read are no different than a teacher confiscating a note from a student with a statement that he or she is going to hurt someone after school. If you do not want anyone to read what you have written, then don't put it out there for the whole world to read."
Mr. Bentley,
Assistant Superintendent-Director/Principal

"(I think) it is necessary, because it's for students' own protection. The things that students may post on the Internet may come back to haunt them later on in life. Not everything on the Internet can be proven to be true and may be offensive towards others."
~ Mr. Freeman,
Science Teacher

"Should a school be a societal compass to direct students to a path of acceptable behavior? When has that become controversial? If what is learned in school goes far beyond the classroom walls, why should what happens outside the school be relevant to what happens within it? In short, Diman did it right!"
~ Mr. Keough,
English Language Arts Teacher

"It is a good safety precaution. I hope students and all members of the community can be prudent when using the Internet."
~ Mr. Wagner,
English Language Arts Teacher

"It makes sense to inform parents."
~ Mr. Briggs,
Mathematics Teacher

"If it saves one student from being hurt then it is worthwhile. Some parents may not see what their child has posted on the internet."
~ Dr. Cain,
Health Careers Teacher