The Internet is a Scary Place
Parents' Guide to How to Have a Safe Student User
Hey, Parents!
As technology becomes ever more present in the lives of students, it is important to stay up to date on how to keep your child safe while still letting them have their independence. Check out these tips, pics, and videos for some easy 'How Tos' that you, your student, and other children can use everyday.
Tip #1: No Personal Info
Talk to your student about how important privacy is. Make sure that your home address, email addresses and phone numbers are not accessbile to strangers online.
Tip #2: Other Media: There aren't any take-backs
Everyone loves to share silly pictures and videos that they find on the internet or of themselves and family, but once that media file is on the internet, there is no taking it back. Anyone can download those files. Ask your student to think very carefully about what media they post to make sure it isn't something they would be embarrassed to have anyone see.
Tip #3: Keep it Sealed
Make your privacy settings as tight as possible. Tell you kids that the harder it is to find them on the internet, the better.
Tip #4: They Show Up as Dots for a Reason
Passwords are private and that is that. There is a definitive reason why passwords appear as dots when you type them in. Your kids ned to know that their passwords are just as secretive as their diaries, lunch numbers and bank accounts.
Tip #5: Strangers are Strangers
A screen divider doesn't change that fact that a stranger is a stranger. Reiterate to your student that just because they are a 'friend' on social media doesn't mean that they are actually a 'friend.' The age-old saying "Don't talk to strangers!" definitely still applies in this technological world.
Tip #6: Meet-up? Let's wait.
Encourage your student to talk to you about meeting up with any new online friends. you should meet them first and make sure they are a legitimate friend. Keep the lines of communication open between you and your student so important conversations like this can happen.
Tip #7: People Don't Always Tell the Truth
It is a hard thing to ask your student to be skeptical of what happens online, since we want to encourage trust, but make sure your student is aware that not everything that is said to them is the truth.
Tip #8: Would you Say That to Their Face?
It is hard to make sure your student's interactions online are kind, polite, and positive, but as adults in their life, it is important to emphasize that electronic words mean just as much as spoken words. Ask that question, "Would you be able to say that to their face?"
Tip #9: Watch the Downloads
Your student should never download software or anything else to your computer or phone before checking with you first. Hackers utilize software downloads as an easy means of getting ahold of your important information. So, just because a game looks fun, doesn't mean it belongs on your desktop.
Tip #10: Are you comfortable?
The most important thing about internet safety is making sure your child is comfortable. If there is language or messages that are disrupting their normal behavior, have them ignore it, delete it, and talk to you about how to resolve whatever issue may be presenting itself. Again, make sure the lines of communication are open, because many students are afraid to talk about uncomfortable interactions they may have online.
Check Out This Great Video for your Student
This NetSmartzKids video talks about internet safety in a wonderful way for your elementary student. Your student(s) will relate to the characters and get a kick out of some of the scenarios. Watch it with them to help explain the important messages and share it with the whole family. Then, check out the great games and activities to reinforce these great themes. The more internet safety the better!
Have questions? Get in touch with these great school resources!
Carly Counselor
Have concerns about online-bullying or your student's internet use, Carly has wonderful suggestions and ways to help.
Iris the IT Guru
If you have any specific computer questions about programs, usage, or parent protection sites, Iris will have the answers.
Pete the Principal
Pete knows the goings on around the school and can update you on the school and county-wide protocols that have been put into place to ensure your student's safety when it comes to the internet
Want to set up a Parent-Teacher Meeting?
Please feel free to get in touch with me to set a meeting to talk about this very important hot-topic in education or anything else that pertains to your student.
Email: missmccrayrocks@gmail.com