Monitoring children's technology usage is imperative

Digital Citizenship is a tremendously important topic as technology and social media have become mainstays within our society. Over the last decade, we have seen the explosion of technology use. Things have changed and continually change in our digital world. The evolving social media applications and availability of on-line gaming creates an environment where it is critical for our children to have an adult continually engaged in conversation about the importance of digital citizenship. In addition, monitoring children’s technology usage is imperative.

Cyberwise.org and Connectsafely.org provide a variety of resources and tips for adults in their efforts to keep their children's on-line activity safe and digital footprint appropriate. A few of the key tips provided within the parental support resources regarding digital citizenship include:

- Check Privacy Settings

- Create Ground Rules (Allowed time - Power-off Time)

- Charge Devices in a Centralized Location (Not a Child's Bedroom)

- Monitor Posts and Photos 

- Talk about an On-line Reputation

- Talk about On-line Dangers

- Set a Good Example with Social Media  

As online dangers to kids continually change, it is near impossible to develop specific safety messages for all of the inappropriate apps and games our children may be exposed to. However, the strategies listed above support digital citizenship, on-line safety, and the on-going efforts of parents to keep their children safe. As a school district, we utilize a wide-variety of approaches to teach our students about appropriate technology usage and digital citizenship.

Together, we promote student safety, quality digital citizenship and appropriate technology use.