Don't talk to strangers?

I was recently involved in an online experience which helped me to really face the realities of the new world we live, in and the risks associated with it.  As an adult, I was able to recognize the fact that the contact I had received was perhaps unsafe, with different motives than my own.  The lesson it brought to mind revolved around the simple safety lessons I and we all may have taught our kids.. 

“Don’t talk to strangers”.  But online, they are all strangers?

Before the digital age, significant personal and government resources were utilized to give the messages necessary to keep kids safe.  Videos, assemblies in schools, TV, politicians, and kitchen table conversations revolved around the lessons necessary for kids to be safe in that world.  “Don’t talk to strangers, etc.”  Are we doing the same job today to protect our children from the current and future risks?  Is it easier to just filter the content, and keep them out of the “danger”?  Do we teach them what they need by doing so? Why is this problem potentially NOT ours when we would not have hesitated in the past to teach the prior lesson?  Is it too sensitive?  Are we just not prepared because we are not in this world and we don’t know how?

I share this video of Will Richardson’s views on the topic.  Do we have a responsibility as schools and educators to teach kids safe strategies for today’s world, as well as the skills needed to succeed in it?  If you think so, what if any suggestions do you have to facilitate the learning?  Please comment below!