Net Smartz
KEEPING STUDENTS SAFE IN A DIGITAL WORLD
We may think of our kids' online, mobile, and technological activities as "digital life", but them it's just life. In their world, being able to connect and communicate 24/7 from just about any location is normal. Phones aren't simply for phone calls anymore but for listening to music, sending texts, filming videos, snapping and sharing photos, and accessing the Internet. Out kids are using computers and tablets to socialize, stream video, and create movies and songs. Any they can connect and communicate 24/7 from just about any location.
WHY DOES CYBER SAFETY MATTER?
At BISD, we want our students to make good decisions so they can take advantage of the powerful technology that fills their lives both at school and at home. But in order to make good choices, kids must know how the digital world works. The stakes are high because our kids' technological abilties can be greater than their maturity and judgment. Having unrestricted access to information and people can result in gaining a wealth of information and experiences. But it can also mean accessing inappropriate content and exposure to risks such as:
- Cyber bulling
- Sexting
- Digital relationships
- Compromising their privacy
- Establishing a damaging Digital Footprint
TIPS PARENTS CAN USE AT HOME:
That's why BISD Police Department has partnered with NetSmartz to obtain resources, tips, videos, and other materials to help parents and BISD educators to keep our students safe in the digital world. Please spend a few moments reviewing these resources and most importantly, model positive digital behavior with your children or students as mush as possible: set a good example. In addition, here are a few tips that parents can use at home.
- Keep the computer in a high-traffic area of your home.
- Establish limits for which online sites children may visit and for how long.
- Create a family media agreement.
- Remember that Internet techology can be mobile, so be sure to monitor cell phones, gaming devices, and laptops.
- Surf the Internet with your children and let them show you what they like to do online.
- Know who is connecting with your children online and set rules for social networking, instant messaging, e-mailing, online gaming, and using webcams.
- Continually dialogue with your children about online safety.
For more information on digital safety, feel free to contact:
Sgt. Cindy Paz at cpaz1@bisd.us