Tech Savvy Kids? Remember Digital Safety

By Ryan Cox and Carissa Hopkins-Hoel

In today’s ever-changing world, students have access to resources for learning that were once only imagined in science fiction. Innovative tools and instruction are connecting students, allowing them to create and share their learning, and providing a never-ending list of resources for learning.  

With such access, also comes a need to understand both one’s rights as well as responsibilities. That is why each October schools from around the nation recognize Digital Safety Month to explore how actions online, as well as actions in person, impact the lives of those around them. This event naturally coincides with National Bullying Prevention Month and Unity Day to remind everyone that actions online, are in many ways, no different than actions offline.

Here are 10 tips for digital safety.

1. Rules offline should be the same online. This is a broad range of safety rules. Don’t talk to strangers. Don’t share personal information such as your address or phone number without parental permission.
2. Set online rules for devices. Establish a set time of day when kids can use their devices. Just like curfews, kids should have a set amount of time that devices are used.

   

3. Don’t share passwords. Express how important it is to protect their password protection. Passwords should not be shared with friends or strangers.
4. Regularly review online activity. Know what kids are looking at online. Randomly check their browsing history and make sure they don’t clear the history! Ask questions about what they are doing and searching online.
5. Create online filters. Limit what kids are able to search online. Use parental controls such as Net Nanny or set the parental controls on your router.
6. Use public spaces. Kitchens, living rooms and family rooms are all great places to keep an eye on kids. It helps keep them engaged with parents and allows a two-way conversation.
7. Educate early on and keep an open dialogue. Make sure kids know they can talk about uncomfortable things happening online, whether it is social media comments or a message that makes them feel uncomfortable. Vice-versa, ensure they understand that once they post something online it is there forever. Be respectful and kind.
8. Don’t download or install anything without permission. Kids can get click-happy. Teach them that apps and software can’t be downloaded without permission.
9. Don’t be afraid to learn new things. Kids can be very tech savvy. Let them teach you new things on their devices! They love to show you what they can do.
10. Become friends or contacts with their friends on social media. Stay in the know. Friend your child’s friends and parents on social media. See what is being posted and said. It helps keep an open dialogue.

District 742 supports digital safety and citizenship.

All internet activity that occurs on the District network is monitored as required by the federal law known as the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA.)  To meet this expectation, the District has implemented a powerful content filter which prevents most unwanted sites from being accessed while in school. It is important to understand that no content filter is 100% foolproof. Notifications are sent when a website is missed by our system, adjustments are then made to improve our filtering practice in all buildings.

Also, students have an opportunity to learn more about digital safety and citizenship with teachers and building media specialists. Students are encouraged to continue conversation and activities with their families as well. Consider mentoring them as they navigate their online lives. Resources for families are available on the District site, including links to information and recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics regarding devices and screen time. Young learners can even access online interactive games to help them consider what it means to be a good digital citizen.

As a District and a community, teaching good digital citizenship and safety is preparing, engaging, educating, empowering and inspiring kids for their future.