Digital Safety

We encourage parents and guardians to use these strategies to keep children safe and establish healthy boundaries with district-issued and personal devices:

• Keep screens public: Keep all internet access, including cell phones and iPads, in shared family spaces. Do not allow students to charge devices in their bedrooms overnight.
• Open the lines of communication: Talk to your children regularly about what they do online and have them show you their favorite sites or apps.
• Know usernames and passwords: Keep a record of your child’s account login details. Remind them that social networks and chat platforms are not private.
• Discuss permanence: Remind your student about the long-term nature of their "digital footprint." Regularly search their name on Google with them to discuss what appears online.
• Model responsible use: Set a positive example by managing your own screen time and following the digital boundaries you set for your home.
• Explore parental controls: If you want extra protection on your home Wi-Fi network, consider implementing third-party solutions such as DNS Parental Controls or Kids Watch Software.

• Respect yourself: Select appropriate usernames, think carefully about the photos you post, and never share obscene content or private personal information.
• Protect yourself: Keep your passwords completely secret. Never share them with friends. Report any inappropriate online behavior or random messages to a trusted adult immediately.
• Respect others: Never use electronic tools, emails, or group chats to flame, bully, stalk, or harass other people.
• Protect others: Stand up for your peers by reporting online abuse, blocking bullies, and refusing to forward cruel rumors or mean messages.

What is wrong offline is wrong online. If your student encounters mean or aggressive behavior on a digital platform, they should follow these steps:

• Do not respond: Engaging with cyberbullies often worsens the situation.
• Save the evidence: Take screenshots or print out the messages, timestamps, and usernames.
• Block the account: Utilize the platform's settings to completely block the individual acting inappropriately.
• Report it: Inform a school principal, counselor, or teacher right away so the district can investigate and provide support.