Online Safety for Children

Dear CSD Families,

In today’s connected world, children are growing up with access to more information, more people, and more platforms than ever before. While technology can offer powerful tools for learning and connection, it also brings real challenges—and potential risks.

We are committed to working together with you to help students navigate the online world safely, responsibly, and with confidence.

How We Support Students in School

Our schools provide instruction to help students:

• Understand online safety and digital citizenship
• Recognize unhealthy online interactions
• Build healthy digital habits
• Know when and how to ask for help
  
  

This instruction includes age-appropriate lessons on topics like social media, privacy, cyberbullying, online relationships, and emotional well-being. Our goal is to empower students with the knowledge and skills they need to make safe choices online.

How Families Can Help at Home

Here are a few ways you can support your child’s digital safety:

• Start open conversations about how your child uses the internet and social media.
• Set boundaries together, like screen time limits or app rules, and revisit them as your child grows.
• Encourage critical thinking—remind them to ask questions, think before sharing, and come to you if something feels wrong.
• Stay involved by learning about the platforms your child uses and exploring parental controls where appropriate.
  
  

Digital Wellness Resources

To support your family, we’ve compiled a list of helpful resources for your review:

Centers for Disease Control

· Protecting Your Child from Electronic Aggression: Offers strategies for parents to help safeguard their children from online bullying and harassment.

· Screen Time Guidelines: Provides recommendations on appropriate screen time for children, emphasizing the importance of balancing media use with other activities.

Common Sense Media

· Internet Safety for Kids: Common Sense Media offers comprehensive advice on how to keep children safe online, including tips on privacy settings, recognizing online scams, and fostering open communication.

· Parenting, Media, and Everything in Between: Step-by-step instructions on setting up parental controls across various platforms and devices to ensure a safer online experience for children.

Department of Homeland Security

· Blue Campaign: Offers resources to educate the public on how to recognize and report human trafficking, with specific guidance on online safety to protect children from online exploitation.

· Internet Safety Checklist: Provides a checklist for parents and guardians to help ensure their children's online experiences are safe and secure.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

· Online Health and Safety for Children and Youth: Resource that provides best practices for families and guidance for industry.

We know that online safety is not a one-time conversation; it’s an ongoing journey. Thank you for all you do to support your child’s well-being both at school and at home. Together, we can help them grow into thoughtful, informed, and safe digital citizens.

Best regards,

Dana T. Bedden, Ed.D., CAA
Superintendent of Schools