Tech Safety for Kids
Today we enjoyed a presentation by Stefanie Thomas from the Internet Crimes Against Children task force of the Seattle Police Department. The kids did a great job listening to Ms. Thomas, who was here to talk about internet safety with regards to gaming, devices and programs/applications the kids are using on a regular basis.
Ms. Thomas is the head of the Seattle Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children. She spoke about internet safety as well as everyone’s responsibility when using technology on a computer or phone. It was incredible to see the number of hands raised when she asked about devices, if devices were located in bedrooms, who uses their devices after 9pm, whose parents check their devices daily etc. Most students were fascinated to learn that many of texting/internet/app activity they participate in is actually illegal–this is regards to age (Instagram, FB etc. you must be 13 years old), as well as the types of games they play online and texts etc. they send to one another. We hope this prompts a good family talk and discussion within your household.
The dangers of the internet and the real threat of cyberbullying can happen to anyone. Students were fascinated to learn that the law’s definition of cyber bullying is extremely strict and involves even sending messages or posting posts that embarass, make fun of, joke, hurt, harass or harm someone else. “Just kidding” is no longer an excuse; it is everyone’s responsibility to think before typing, posting, sending. The message of reiterating the importance of respecting all people and their feelings was made clear several times throughout the presentation as was the responsibility of owning a device. It was a powerful presentation for both students and teachers and was a good lesson and reminder that texts, emails, photos, posts are always saved and can always resurface; nothing is ever deleted. We stressed the message that if you wouldn’t want your grandmother to read it, you probably shouldn’t write it. Important lessons for all of us! Please take the time to read through the attached document below and talk to your children and to monitor their use of technology. It is important, now more than ever, that students understand that their actions may have severe consequences and they are responsible for what they text, email, send and post!
*See attachment about texting from online safety expert Stefanie Thomas: Family Texting Boundaries
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From our Curriculum Enhancement team // Ask your 5th grader:
During the discussion today, the students seemed eager to learn and maybe already shared some information with you. To engage your child in an internet safety conversation you might want to ask your student some of the following questions:
- Is cyberbullying against the law? How can cyber bullying be defined? (Yes it is against the law in Washington state, no matter what your age. It can be defined as using a device to embarass, tease, make fun of, stalk, harass, bother another person. Many students actually admitted that they were guilty of this.)
- What should you do in case of cyberbullying? (Don’t respond, tell your parent/guardian, tell your teachers, keep a record of them in case you need proof.)
- Do you have online friends that you don’t know in real life? (If yes, kids need to be aware that they might not know the truth about their online friends. They can be lied to and they should never share information with online friends that they don’t know in real life.)
- Which online information should you check when you get home? (No personal photo in your profile, don’t use your real name in your account name, no personal info like DOB in your profile, don’t use the check-in functionality so people can trace where you are, check if you know all your online friends in real life, change your password if other people know your password. Have a trusted adult always read your emails and texts.)
Stefanie Thomas asked the kids if they were ok if she would hand out their name/phone number/ email address and maybe some photos to ten random people in Seattle. No one volunteered! But lots of kids share personal information online. So one of the most important messages today: our children should be aware that the internet rules are not different from the real life rules. The same rules for bullying, sharing information and friendship apply online and in real life.
Internet safety website for more information: www.netsmartz.org
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