Internet Safety
Did you know 95% of teens (ages 12-17) are online. (Lenhart A, et al. Teens, kindness and cruelty on social networking sites) We are always hearing information about the internet and safety surrounding the topic of its use in our students daily lives. Internet and social media issues are frequent at both the school as well as within the community, and most often it stems back to appropriate use and the ability to sensor what is displayed and stated online.
From a Guidance perspective we discuss with your students the concept of internet safety both individually when necessary as well as surrounding topics such as post-secondary planning. What they choose to put onto the internet in whatever format follows them as they leave the walls of our high school and enter into adulthood.
“It is always absolutely necessary that students are aware of the content they place online,” says Cindy Boyles Crawford, senior assistant director of admissions at the University of Georgia. Though not all colleges and universities take into account an applicant’s social media profiles, they do have the right to look. After all, it’s information on the Internet, and almost everyone can access it." (http://www.hercampus.com/high-school/how-clean-your-social-media-college-applications)
There are a lot of resources out there that discuss what to be aware of and how to speak with your student in an effort to make sure they are using and not abusing the internet.
Resources for Parents
Learn the Basics of Internet Safety - http://www.netsmartz.org/InternetSafety
How to adjust Privacy Settings - http://www.kidsbesafeonline.com/blog/43-social-media.html
Common Topics Addressed - https://www.commonsensemedia.org/social-media/age/teens
Resources for Students
Cleaning up your Social Media - http://go.shr.lc/2hObA3c
