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Parents' Digital Safety Toolkit

Parents' Digital Safety Toolkit

At Shallowater ISD, we prioritize the digital safety and well-being of every student in our care. In today’s technology-driven world, students are constantly exposed to new digital environments, and we understand the importance of working hand-in-hand with families to keep them safe online. To support this effort, we have curated a collection of trusted resources to help parents navigate and better understand the digital spaces their children engage with. By fostering this partnership with families, we aim to create a safe, informed, and supportive digital experience for all students, both at school and at home.

Holiday Digital Safety Tips

This list provides helpful tips for parents on keeping kids safe around technology during the holidays, especially in gatherings with extended family. With guidance on respectful tech use and safe sharing practices, these tips empower parents to create a safe, balanced environment for children while enjoying time with family.

family taking a picture around dinner table at holidays

For further reading and resources, organizations like Common Sense Media offer comprehensive advice on navigating tech use for families, and the American Academy of Pediatrics has guidelines on digital safety and media use for children and teens.

  • Before holiday gatherings, establish guidelines for how long and when kids can use devices. Explain that family time is prioritized, and encourage alternatives like games, crafts, or outdoor activities to limit screen time.

  • Ensure that kids' privacy settings on social media or gaming platforms are secure. Remind them not to share personal information, even with relatives who might ask.

  • Explain that if older cousins want to show them new games or websites, they should ask permission first. Encourage kids to come to you if they feel uncomfortable with any online content or behavior.

  • Create device-free areas, especially during family meals or gift exchanges, to foster connection and keep tech usage under control.

  • Talk to family members about limiting or avoiding posting children’s photos online, as these can reveal location and identity without consent.

  • If older cousins will be around, ask them to be mindful of what they share or show on their devices, as younger kids may be exposed to content not suitable for their age.

  • If relatives have shared devices like tablets or gaming consoles, check if they are age-appropriate and review parental controls on these devices.

  • Teach kids that different families may have different tech rules, but at home or in your care, your rules apply. This helps prevent confusion or resentment.

Online Resources

  • common sense media logo
    Common Sense Media

    Is your child excited to watch a new movie or play a new game, but you don’t have the time to review it beforehand? Common Sense Media has you covered with comprehensive ratings and reviews for movies, apps, TV shows, books, games, and podcasts, helping parents make informed choices with confidence. Explore everything they have to offer through their website, mobile app, blogs, social media, newsletters, and more, giving you peace of mind while keeping up with your child's digital world.

  • protect young eyes logo
    Protect Young Eyes

    Protect Young Eyes is a valuable resource designed to help parents create safer digital environments for their children. Offering practical tips, tools, and guides, this platform educates families on the latest apps, social media platforms, and online risks. With a focus on empowering parents to have meaningful conversations about digital safety, Protect Young Eyes provides expert advice on how to set up strong safeguards and promote responsible online behavior.

  • green box with internetmatters.org logo
    Internet Matters

    Internet Matters.org is a trusted resource dedicated to helping parents keep their children safe online. It offers expert advice, step-by-step guides, and practical tools on topics ranging from privacy settings and screen time to cyberbullying and online gaming. With resources tailored to different age groups, Internet Matters.org empowers parents to stay informed and make confident decisions about their child’s digital safety in an ever-changing online world.

  • the smart talk logo
    The Smart Talk

    The Smart Talk is a free, interactive tool designed to help families set digital safety ground rules together. By encouraging open conversations, it allows parents and children to agree on responsible technology use, including online privacy, screen time, social media behavior, and device security. The Smart Talk makes it easy to create a personalized family agreement, helping establish healthy digital habits and ensuring everyone understands the expectations for safe and responsible online behavior.

We're Here to Help!
If you have any questions or need help navigating the digital safety toolkit, we’re here to partner with you – don’t hesitate to reach out! Be sure to check back often, as we’ll continue adding new resources for you!