Submitted by Sheridan Community Schools
Last year Sheridan Schools hosted a parent workshop on digital safety for parents through a grant from the Indiana Department of Education. As the new school year begins, Sheridan School Corporation is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students—both in the classroom and online. With the increasing use of digital devices and online platforms in education, it’s more important than ever for parents to be proactive about their children’s digital safety. Below are some essential tips to help you guide your children in making safe and responsible choices online.
- Set clear online boundaries
Establish rules about when and how your child can use the internet. Create a family agreement that covers screen time limits, appropriate online behavior, and which websites or apps are off-limits. Consistency is key, so make sure these rules are followed both at home and during school hours.
- Monitor & discuss online activity
Regularly check in with your child about their online interactions. Review the websites they visit, the apps they use, and the people they communicate with. Encourage open conversations about what they encounter online and emphasize that they can always come to you if something feels wrong or uncomfortable.
- Educate about privacy
Teach your child the importance of protecting their personal information. Make sure they understand not to share personal details such as their full name, address, phone number, or school name with strangers online. Remind them that once something is shared online, it can be difficult to remove.
- Recognize & avoid online scams
Help your child recognize the signs of phishing attempts, fake websites, and other online scams. Discuss how to identify suspicious links and emails, and make sure they know not to click on anything unfamiliar. Remind them never to share passwords or click on pop-ups that seem too good to be true.
- Encourage critical thinking
Encourage your child to think critically about the content they see online. Teach them to question the reliability of sources and to verify information before believing or sharing it. This skill will help them navigate the vast amount of information they encounter each day.
- Promote responsible social media use
If your child uses social media, ensure they understand the importance of responsible use. Discuss the potential long-term impact of what they post, and remind them that not everything they see on social media is real. It’s also important to talk about the risks of cyberbullying and how to respond if they experience or witness it.
- Be involved in their digital life
Stay engaged with your child’s online activities. Whether it’s playing a game together or discussing a new app they’ve downloaded, showing interest in their digital world will help you stay informed about what they’re doing online and create opportunities for ongoing discussions about safety.
- Keep software & devices updated
Ensure all devices your child uses have the latest software updates and security patches. This includes installing reputable antivirus software and using strong, unique passwords for each account. Set up parental controls where appropriate to help monitor and limit online activity.
- Stay informed about new trends
The digital landscape is constantly evolving, with new apps, games, and social media platforms emerging regularly. Stay informed about the latest trends and the potential risks they may pose. This will help you guide your child in making safe choices as they explore new digital spaces.
- Model good digital habits
Children often mimic the behavior they see at home, so it’s important to model good digital habits yourself. Practice what you preach by limiting your screen time, avoiding oversharing on social media, and maintaining a healthy balance between online and offline activities.
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As we embark on this new school year, let’s work together to create a safe and positive digital environment for all our students. By staying informed and engaged, we can help our children navigate the online world with confidence and security.
For more resources on digital safety, please visit scs.k12.in.us or contact the Sheridan School Corporation office. We are here to support you every step of the way.