November 19, 2014 Hello Hardy Families Katie Greer shared the Internet safety presentation today with the grade 4 and 5 students a couple of weeks ago. Katie is a national presenter on this topic and she presented for Wellesley parents at the Middle School. I wanted to share a few key points with you regarding the presentation:
- Cyber-bullying should always be reported to a trusted adult! Children should know that they are not alone and a trusted adult can help.
- Don’t share personal information with anyone online, including name, address, telephone (cell or home), school, age, birthday etc.
- You wouldn’t chat with a stranger on the street, so you shouldn’t chat with a stranger online.
- If something makes you feel uncomfortable while online, tell a trusted adult. And keep on asking for help until you get it!
- Digital footprints are the data left behind by users on digital devices, will never go away, even if you press the delete button. The Internet is a public entity anyone can cut, paste and reuse!
- If you are on a social networking site use Netiquette; proper manners on the Internet. Be sure to use appropriate language.
- Make sure to check the terms and conditions agreements of social networking site, some require that you be 13 years of age and some may even be up to 18. Sites requiring users to be 13 and older are: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat and Clash of Clans to name a few.
- Social Networking sites, gaming (PS3, PS4, Xbox) and apps that allow communication between individuals on the Internet should be avoided. Children should not play games or “friend” someone they do not already have a personal relationship with.
- One site that children should stay away from is called Talking Angela. This is an overseas site that doesn’t follow US laws. This site has a potential to be dangerous.
There are many benefits to living in an age where technology is so frequently used, however must use technology responsibly safety. A couple of great resources for Parents to check out are http://www.netsmartz.org/Parents and www.commonsensemedia.org I hope your children came home today with a couple of key ideas from the list above. Please feel free to give me a call if you would like to discuss this further or have any questions about the presentation. Did you know that…. There is a school-based team that meets regularly to review safety procedures? If there is ever a medical emergency this team meets to process how the situation was handled and reviews to see if any changes or follow up is needed to our current protocols and practices. Just a reminder… Parents should stay at the bus stop until their children are picked up. Parent Book Groups: I am going to hold another Book Group with parents and would like to get some ideas on topics and or books that you think would be of interests to the greater Hardy parent community. Please share these with me. Hardy School Council: The Hardy School Council will hold their next meeting on Thursday Dec. 4th at 7:45 in my office. All are welcome.
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