Do's and Don'ts to Ensuring a Safe Return to the New School Year
 

School is back in session! A return to the classroom means new assignments, homework and tests; not to mention sports teams, cheerleading, band and many other extracurricular activities. In today’s digital world a return to the classroom also means increased reliance upon phones, tablets, laptops, and social media apps making your child more vulnerable to exposure of unwanted images, online predators, cyberbullies and other online dangers.

Now is the time to talk to your child and incorporate a few simple, effective and agreed upon steps (DO’s and DON’Ts) to provide your child a safe internet experience:

DO:

• Establish ongoing dialogue and keep lines of communication open.
• Supervise use of all internet- enabled devices.
• Know what websites, social media apps, and games your child uses.
• Know who your child is talking to on social media, email and text.
• Approve the information and photos your child posts online.
• Set parental controls on all internet-enabled devices, including filters to block inappropriate content.
• Use monitoring tools to track app usage, website visits, and screen time.
• Keep devices in common areas rather than in bedrooms, especially overnight.
• Report any suspicious, unwanted or inappropriate communications, including receiving (or requests for) inappropriate images
• Make sure your child understands that the rules at home also apply outside the home.  
• Contact your child’s school and know the appropriate use policy and protections put in place by the school regarding the devices your child will have access to during the school day.  

DON’T:

• Send communications or post images containing personally identifying information such as addresses, school names, physical location, birthdates, and time/date/place of significant events.
• Meet face to face with someone they only know online.
• Post/send inappropriate or explicit self-images. These images remain forever.
• Lie about age, name, or other information to gain access to a website or to gain attention from someone online.

Discussing these simple, yet effective, steps with your child now can ensure a much safer online experience for them this school year!